龍Chinese zodiac years
Years of the Dragon 1952 · 1964 · 1976 · 1988 · 2000 · 2012 · 2024
The Year of the Dragon comes round every 12 years. The next one is 2036, the Year of the Fire Dragon, which begins on 28 Jan 2036.
- Every 12 years
- Next: 2036
- Sign: 5th of 12
Year of the Dragon chart
The table shows every Year of the Dragon from 1924 to 2043, with the exact start and end dates and the element that rules each one.
| Year | Dates | Element sign | Stem-branch |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1928 | 23 Jan 1928 – 9 Feb 1929 | Earth Dragon | 戊辰 (wù chén) |
| 1940 | 8 Feb 1940 – 26 Jan 1941 | Metal Dragon | 庚辰 (gēng chén) |
| 1952 | 27 Jan 1952 – 13 Feb 1953 | Water Dragon | 壬辰 (rén chén) |
| 1964 | 13 Feb 1964 – 1 Feb 1965 | Wood Dragon | 甲辰 (jiǎ chén) |
| 1976 | 31 Jan 1976 – 17 Feb 1977 | Fire Dragon | 丙辰 (bǐng chén) |
| 1988 | 17 Feb 1988 – 5 Feb 1989 | Earth Dragon | 戊辰 (wù chén) |
| 2000 | 5 Feb 2000 – 23 Jan 2001 | Metal Dragon | 庚辰 (gēng chén) |
| 2012 | 23 Jan 2012 – 9 Feb 2013 | Water Dragon | 壬辰 (rén chén) |
| 2024 | 10 Feb 2024 – 28 Jan 2025 | Wood Dragon | 甲辰 (jiǎ chén) |
| 2036 | 28 Jan 2036 – 14 Feb 2037 | Fire Dragon | 丙辰 (bǐng chén) |
Born in January or February? The Chinese zodiac year starts at Lunar New Year, not on 1 January, so check the exact dates above. If your birthday falls before Lunar New Year you belong to the previous year’s sign. The Birth Destiny calculator works it out for you.
When is the next Year of the Dragon?
The next Year of the Dragon is 2036, the Year of the Fire Dragon. It runs from 28 Jan 2036 to 14 Feb 2037. After that the Dragon returns in 2048.
What each element means for the Dragon
Because the 12 animals are paired with five elements, the same combination only repeats every 60 years. Choose your birth year to see what your element adds to the Dragon’s character.
Your zodiac year: běn mìng nián
When the Dragon year comes round, everyone born under the Dragon is in their běn mìng nián (本命年), their own zodiac year. Far from being lucky, tradition treats it as a year of change and challenge. The custom is to wear something red, such as a bracelet, socks or underwear, ideally given by an older relative.
Read the full Year of the Dragon guide for personality, compatibility and career.
Years of the Dragon questions, answered
What years are the Year of the Dragon?
The Years of the Dragon are 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024 and 2036. Each begins at Lunar New Year, which falls between 21 January and 20 February.
When is the next Year of the Dragon?
The next Year of the Dragon is 2036, the Year of the Fire Dragon. It runs from 28 Jan 2036 to 14 Feb 2037.
Is my own zodiac year unlucky?
Tradition says the year of your own sign, called běn mìng nián, is a year of change that calls for extra care rather than a lucky one. Many people wear something red, often a gift from an older relative, for protection.
Years of the other signs
Find your sign from your birthday
Enter your date of birth and the calculator checks the Lunar New Year date for you.