Methanol is a promising energy carrier owing to its simple structure, high hydrogen content and huge production capacity. Methanol steam reforming (MSR) is an energy-saving and efficient on-site hydrogen production method. Combined with fuel cells, MSR can be applied in many fields. However, due to the high reaction temperature (250~300℃), there are some problems such as slow start-up, high CO content and low thermal efficiency. Low temperature methanol water reforming (LT-MWR), including LT-MSR and aqueous-phase reforming of methanol (APRM), means that the reaction proceeds below 200℃, and maintains high reaction activity, which can reduce the preheating time and the side reactions, and achieve stronger thermal coupling with fuel cells. In this review, the performance and defects of commercial catalysts are firstly introduced based on characterization results. The research of LT-MWR catalysts for hydrogen production is reviewed, including Cu-based catalysts, noble metal catalysts and photo-synergistic catalysts. The modification strategies for low temperature Cu-based catalysts are summarized, including synthesis methods, structure design and element doping. The commercial CuZnAlOx catalyst at home and abroad has the characteristics of high methanol conversion and good stability, despite its relatively high price and low activity below 200℃. Because the activity of Cu-based catalysts is greatly affected by temperature, the catalytic activity decreases sharply at low temperature. By appropriate modification, Cu-based catalysts can perform high activity at low temperature. Noble metal catalysts have high activity at low temperature, but they are expensive and the synthesis process is complex. Photo-synergistic catalysts are functional under the condition of light, which is still in the research stage. The synthesis method can strengthen the micromixing degree and reproducibility. Appropriate structure design can increase the specific surface area and thermal stability of the catalyst. Element doping enables better dispersion of active components and modifies the surface structure. Three modification strategies can effectively improve the performance of Cu-based catalyst for LT-MSR, reducing the content of CO content while maintaining high activity. Finally, the prospect and challenges of LT-MSR catalysts for hydrogen production are prospected.