A cluster-based data aggregation and transmission protocol (CDAT) for wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is proposed. CDAT achieves a good performance in terms of lifetime by a clustering method of balancing energy consumption and data prediction transmission strategy. In clustering phase, the initial probability of node for cluster head election is derived from mathematical relation between application’s seamless coverage ratio and numbers of required cluster heads, and residual energy and node degree are also employed to elect cluster head. In data aggregation phase, Cluster heads broadcast message for node joining and aggregate sampling data after clustering. According to the temporal correlation of sampling data, cluster heads send data to base station using prediction transmission strategy while satisfying transmission precision in the data transmission phase, and the lifetime of WSNs is prolonged with this strategy. Theoretical analysis and simulation results show that CDAT outperforms LEACH (low-energy adaptive clustering hierarchy) and PEGASIS (power-efficient gathering in sensor information systems) in terms of network lifetime by balancing energy consumption and decrease of transmission while satisfying desired Qos (quality of service) of application.