Objective Splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT) is a potentially severe complication of pancreatitis. The aim of this single‐center, retrospective cohort study was to investigate the incidence of SVT and to determine the connected risk factors. Methods All consecutive patients with acute pancreatitis (AP) managed in our hospital were included. The primary outcome was the occurrence of SVT and data was collected in accordance with Ranson's criteria. Results A total of 318 patients were included, of whom 124 (39.0%) were women. Biliary lithiasis was the main cause of pancreatitis ( n  = 156, 49.1%). A total of 19 (6.0%) SVT were identified. In univariate analysis, alcohol intake, smoking and male gender were associated with SVT ( P = 0.005, 0.003 and 0.007, respectively). Biological parameters significantly associated with thrombosis were lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) < 500 U/L and hyperglycemia (≥ 10 mmol/L) ( P  = 0.009 and 0.016, respectively). In multivariate analysis, prothrombin time >75% was a protective factor against thrombosis (OR 0.148, P  = 0.019). Leukocytes >10 × 10 9 /L (OR 6.397, P  = 0.034), hyperglycemia (≥ 10 mmol/L) (OR 6.845, P  = 0.023), LDH < 500 U/L ((OR 22.61, P  = 0.001) and alcoholic etiology (OR 8.960, P = 0.041) were risk factors for SVT. Conclusions Alcohol intake, male gender and smoking should focus the physician's attention on the risk of SVT. When further associated with certain biological parameters, the physicians should consider therapeutic anticoagulation to prevent SVT.