Recent years of the Monkey: 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968, 1956, 1944. The next Monkey year is 2028.
The Monkey is the ninth of 12 animals in the recurring 12-year Chinese zodiac cycle. It is a symbol of cleverness, versatility, and innovation. People born in the year of the Monkey are usually smart, quick-witted, and versatile. With a mischievous and playful nature, Monkeys are typically entertaining and can be great companions.
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Find Out if You Were Born in a Monkey Year
The most relevant years of the Monkey include 2016, 2004, 1992, 1980, 1968, 1956, and 1944.
If you were born in one of the above calendar years, your Chinese zodiac sign is probably the Monkey, and in China you would be known as a Monkey.
However, the Chinese zodiac year is usually said to start from Chinese New Year, which ranges from late January to mid-February. Therefore, if you were born in January or February in one of the above years, you might be a Monkey, or possibly a Goat.
Additionally, if you were born in January/February in one of the years immediately following those above (2017, 2005, 1993, 1981, etc.), then you may be a Monkey or a Rooster.
You can use our free Chinese zodiac sign calculator tool below to find your zodiac animal sign or see the table below.
| Monkey Years | Date | Element |
|---|---|---|
| 1932 | February 6, 1932 – January 25, 1933 | Water Monkey |
| 1944 | January 24, 1944 – February 12, 1945 | Wood Monkey |
| 1956 | February 12, 1956 – January 30, 1957 | Fire Monkey |
| 1968 | January 30, 1968 – February 16, 1969 | Earth Monkey |
| 1980 | February 16, 1980 – February 4, 1981 | Gold Monkey |
| 1992 | February 4, 1992 – January 22, 1993 | Water Monkey |
| 2004 | January 22, 2004 – February 8, 2005 | Wood Monkey |
| 2016 | February 8, 2016 – January 27, 2017 | Fire Monkey |
| 2028 | January 26, 2028 – February 12, 2029 | Earth Monkey |
Monkeys Horoscope Predictions for 2026

In the vast world, everyone's destiny is different. In the right years, people can develop well, while in incompatible years, everything seems to go wrong. So, how will 2026 be for the Monkeys?
- Career: In 2026, you will face both opportunities and challenges in your careers. With exceptional courage and a quick mind, you can seize opportunities swiftly. However, you may also encounter jealousy from others, potentially leading to unjust accusations that leave you feeling frustrated.
- Financial: Your financial situation will be relatively stable. You can expect a steady income each month, and with a cautious and responsible work attitude, you might even receive unexpected bonuses. In terms of additional income, the outlook is average, so plan your expenses wisely to avoid financial strain.
- Love: Your love life is set to improve, with the help of auspicious stars. If you're single, there's a good chance you'll meet someone special, so don't miss any gatherings or matchmaking events. You might unexpectedly find your destined partner, sharing similar values and quickly forming a strong connection, possibly leading to marriage.
- Health: Health may be a concern, as you often neglect your well-being due to work commitments. This could lead to serious health issues, requiring timely medical attention. It's important to balance work and rest, avoid overeating, and maintain a regular schedule to prevent health problems.
Read more about Monkey Monthly Horoscope
Monkey's Personality: Sharp, Smart, but Naughty
People born in a year of the Monkey have magnetic personalities and are witty and intelligent. Personality traits like mischievousness, curiosity, and cleverness make them very naughty.
Monkeys are usually masters of practical jokes, because they like playing most of the time. Although they don't have bad intentions, their pranks sometimes hurt other people's feelings.
Monkeys are fast learners and crafty opportunists. They have many interests and need partners who are capable of stimulating them. While some like the eccentric nature of Monkeys, others don't trust their sly, restless, and inquisitive nature.
Although they are clever and creative, Monkeys usually can't always exhibit their talents properly. They like to accept challenges and prefer urban life to rural life.
Wood, Fire, Earth, Gold, and Water Monkeys
In Chinese element theory, each zodiac sign is associated with one of the five elements: Gold (Metal), Wood, Water, Fire, or Earth. For example, a Fire Monkey comes once in a 60-year cycle.
It is theorized that a person's characteristics are decided by their birth year's zodiac animal sign and element. This means there are five types of Monkey, each with different characteristics:
| Element of Monkeys | Personality |
|---|---|
| Fire Monkey | Ambitious and adventurous, but irritable |
| Wood Monkey | Always ready to help others; compassionate, with strong self-esteem, but stubborn |
| Water Monkey | Smart, quick-witted, fond of being in the limelight, but haughty |
| Gold Monkey | Smart, quick-witted, and confident, but also irritable and stubborn |
| Earth Monkey | Frank, optimistic, and fearless |
Lucky Things for People Born in a Year of the Monkey

Things that will bring Monkeys luck:
- Lucky numbers: 4 and 9
- Lucky colors: white, blue, gold
- Lucky flowers: chrysanthemum, crape myrtle
- Lucky directions: north, northwest, west
Things that Monkeys should avoid:
- Unlucky numbers: 2 and 7
- Unlucky colors: red, pink
- Unlucky directions: south, southeast
Monkeys' Love Compatibility

Love compatibility within the Chinese zodiac takes into account the unique characteristics of each animal. Only those whose characteristics match each other well can be good partners. See below the compatibility of the Monkey with other animals.
- Best with: Rat, Dragon, or Dog
- Worst with: Ox or Tiger
Want to know if she/he is compatible with you? Use our zodiac love compatibility calculator below. Or you can check the 12 Chinese zodiac signs' love compatibility in detail.
Best-Suited Careers for Monkeys
Monkeys work very hard in their careers. They can adapt well to different working environments.
Good career choices for Monkeys are: accounting and banking, science, engineering, stock market trading, air traffic control, film directing, jewelry, and sales.
How to Build Relationships with Monkeys
Monkeys are not usually very quick to settle down into relationships, as they tend to be promiscuous and easily bored. Once Monkeys find the perfect partner, however, they commit to him/her in every possible way. Since Monkeys are sociable and love to talk, it's easy to relate to them.
How Monkeys Should Keep Healthy
Usually Monkeys are very healthy, partly due to their active lifestyles, and their drive to experience different flavors of life. If they do experience illness, it is usually of the nervous or circulatory system.
People born in a year of the Monkey often spend more time at work than average. To save energy, Monkeys need to remember to take breaks during their busy schedules.
Since Monkeys usually do more outdoor activities, they should pay special attention to safety; also while traveling or driving.
Famous Monkeys
| Famous Monkey | Birth Date | Element |
|---|---|---|
| Leonardo da Vinci | 15 April 1452 | a Water Monkey |
| Tom Hanks | July 9, 1956 | a Fire Monkey |
| Kylie Minogue | May 28, 1968 | an Earth Monkey |
| Will Smith | September 15, 1968 | an Earth Monkey |
| Justin Timberlake | January 31, 1981 | a Gold Monkey |
