Abstract: In this paper, a lightning vulnerability evaluation method for MV distribution networks based on the Analytic Hierarchy Process is proposed to help the decision-makers formulate the maintenance schedules and difference planning. This paper can be divided into three parts. Firstly, the impact mechanism of lightning on distribution networks is summarized, the lightning vulnerability indicator is proposed, and the corresponding comprehensive evaluation index system is established at the same time. Secondly, the lightning vulnerability index is classified into mild, moderate and severe level, and the application process is presented to assess lightning vulnerability evaluation method for MV distribution network. In the end, the fault risks that 4 distribution networks being simultaneously struck by lightning during the period from 1996 to 2015 are assessed, which verifies the effectiveness of the proposed method.