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As the degradation products of dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP), dimethylsulfide (DMS) and acrylic acid (AA) are crucial to the sulfur cycle in the ocean. However, the biogeochemical processes of DMSP, DMS, and AA remain unclear. A monthly investigation was conducted to determine the DMSP, DMS, and AA concentrations and related parameters in the surface water of Jiaozhou Bay, a semi-enclosed bay in the western Yellow Sea, from December 2010 to November 2011. The monthly mean concentrations of DMSP, DMS, and AA were in the ranges of 5.02–27.25 nmol L−1, 0.41–3.14 nmol L−1, and below the detection limit–301.75 nmol L−1, respectively, showing significant seasonal variations with higher concentrations in summer than in autumn. The results were attributed to a combination of biogenic factors, including phytoplankton, zooplankton, and bacteria, as well as environmental factors, such as temperature and nutrients. The DMSP, DMS, and AA concentrations were not significantly correlated with chlorophyll a and bacterial abundance because of the influence of the community structure and anthropogenic activities. DMS was mainly produced by the enzymatic cleavage of DMSP, whereas AA was affected primarily by terrigenous input. The monthly mean sea-to-air fluxes of DMS ranged from 0.74 (in Apr) to 6.55 (in Jan) μmol m−2 d−1 with an average of 2.80 μmol m−2 d−1. • DMSP, DMS, and AA showed significant seasonal variations. • Biogenic sulfur variation was a combination of biogenic and environmental factors. • The monthly mean sea-to-air fluxes of DMS was estimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]