Aluminium matrix composites are being used in high power applications and electronic packaging, so the study of thermal behaviour of them becomes critical. In this work, the thermal conductivity of aluminium–silicon carbide composites with different volume fractions were estimated using finite element model designed by Digimat—a multi-scale material modelling software. The thermal conductivity estimated by FE model was compared with the experimental data given in the literature, and theoretical models are found to be in good agreement. This validation of the FE model ascertains its use in further analysis. It was also concluded that the volume fraction, size and shape of the reinforcement particles and interfacial thermal resistance play a major role in the resultant thermal conductivity of the composites. © 2023, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd.