Based on Taylor–Aris dispersion theory, a general analytical formula was derived for the theoretical plate height in capillary zone electrophoresis with the consideration of Joule heating effects. During the electrophoresis, the Joule heating causes a temperature rise and temperature gradients in the buffer solution. The temperature variations can affect the molecular diffusion, electroosmotic flow and electrophoretic flow via the temperature-dependent diffusion coefficient, dynamic viscosity and electrical conductivity. All these factors contribute to the peak broadening and are considered simultaneously in the present general model. The general formula derived in this paper is employed to discuss quantitatively the peak broadening in the presence of Joule heating effects. This formula can be easily extended to capillary zone electrophoresis with higher zeta potentials, if an approximate solution to Poisson–Boltzmann equation is employed.