Based on the spring maize field trial data from agro-meteorological experiment stations in the northern China and daily meteorological data, the adaptability of agricultural production system model APSIM in the maize producing areas of the eight provinces in the northern China was analyzed. The critical meteorological response factors for the development stage and yield of spring maize were determined at the regional scale. The growth and yield formation of spring maize in the past 54 years (1961-2014) were simulated based on APSIM. Response laws of spring maize to climate change were explored. The results showed that, (1) the validated APSIM model had better adaptability in the maize producing areas of the eight provinces in the northern China. (2) Air temperature and soil temperature were the most important meteorological response factors for the development stages of spring maize in the eight provinces of northern China. In the northern spring sowing area, the response of the development stage of spring maize to the maximum temperature was the most obvious. However, in the northwestern inland region, the response of the development stage of spring maize to the minimum temperature was the most obvious. The increase in daily average temperature, daily maximum temperature, daily minimum temperature and daily soil temperature advanced the day of year (DOY) of spring maize growth stage (emergence, flowering and maturation) and decreased the days of development, causing spring maize mature ahead of time. (3) The key meteorological response factors for spring maize yield in the northern spring maize region were temperature, precipitation and sunshine hours. The key meteorological response factors for spring maize yield in the northwestern inland maize region were mainly temperature and potential evapotranspiration. In most areas, the increase in temperature and potential evapotranspiration significantly decreased in spring maize yield.