As the core component of piezoelectric actuators, the piezoelectric performance of multilayer PZT ceramics is affected by the self-heating temperature. In addition, multilayer PZT ceramics are prone to failure under strong alternating voltage. This study investigates the factors affecting the self-heating temperature from the perspective of alternating voltage characteristics and multilayer structure of PZT ceramics. First, based on the scanning electron microscope cross-sectional structure morphology, a fine-structure simulation model of multilayer PZT ceramics was established. Then, a temperature measurement experimental platform was set up to conduct self-heating temperature measurements on the ceramic surface for validation. Finally, the effects of alternating voltage amplitude, frequency characteristics, piezoelectric layer thickness, and dead layer thickness on the self-heating temperature of the ceramic surface were analyzed. The results indicate that 1) the self-heating temperature of the ceramic surface increases linearly with the alternating voltage amplitude and frequency; 2) the extreme value of the self-heating temperature is distributed in the center and edge regions of the ceramic surface, and the difference in temperature is less than 3 ℃; 3) the thicker the piezoelectric layer is, the lower the self-heating temperature of the ceramic surface is; and 4) the self-heating temperature of the surface decreases with the thickness of the dead layer and reaches its minimum when the thickness of the dead layer is approximately 300 μm. This study provides a theoretical basis and experimental foundation for regulating the self-heating temperature in multilayer PZT ceramics and supporting engineering applications.