We undertake the propagation properties of a partially coherent vector vortex beam (PCVVB) through the inhomogeneous atmospheric turbulence. Analytical expressions for M2-factor of partially coherent radially polarized vortex beam (PCRPVB) in turbulence with the extended Huygens–Fresnel principle and the second-order moments of Wigner distribution function (WDF) are derived. Numerical results indicate that the M2-factor and root-mean-square (rms) angular width mainly depend on the light source parameters and zenith angle. We find that M2-factor and rms angular width of PCRPVB in turbulence will become saturated with increasing propagation distance. It can be also found that the relative M2-factor and relative rms angular width will decrease with the increase of topological charge and wavelength as well as the decrease of initial coherent length, which indicates that the PCRPVB with larger topological charge and wavelength, smaller initial coherent length has a stronger anti-turbulence ability. Our studies may be useful for the lidar distance measurement and free-space optical communications. © 2022 Elsevier GmbH