Stellune
The Monkey is the ninth animal of the Chinese zodiac and the zodiac’s problem-solver. Monkeys are clever, curious and quick: they love ideas, games and finding a smarter way round any obstacle.
The Monkey personality
Monkeys are inventive, funny and full of ideas. They learn fast, talk well and enjoy a challenge. Boredom is their biggest enemy.
Strengths: intelligence, wit, inventiveness, adaptability.
Blind spots: restlessness, mischief, and cutting corners when they’re bored.
Monkey years
You’re a Monkey if you were born in one of these years, on or after that year’s Chinese New Year:
| Year | Element | New Year began |
|---|---|---|
| 1956 | Fire Monkey | 12 February 1956 |
| 1968 | Earth Monkey | 30 January 1968 |
| 1980 | Metal Monkey | 16 February 1980 |
| 1992 | Water Monkey | 4 February 1992 |
| 2004 | Wood Monkey | 22 January 2004 |
| 2016 | Fire Monkey | 8 February 2016 |
The next Monkey year is 2028, an Earth Monkey, starting on 26 January 2028. Born in January or February? Check with the Chinese zodiac calculator.
The five kinds of Monkey
Each Monkey year also has an element, which colours the Monkey’s nature. The Monkey’s own fixed element is Metal.
- Wood Monkey: the most sociable Monkey, curious and good with people.
- Fire Monkey: the most ambitious Monkey, energetic and full of spark.
- Earth Monkey: the most reliable Monkey, clever and grounded.
- Metal Monkey: the sharpest and most self-assured Monkey, determined to win.
- Water Monkey: the most perceptive Monkey, flexible and insightful.
Monkey compatibility
| Kind of match | Animals |
|---|---|
| Best friends (same trine) | Rat, Dragon |
| Secret friend | Snake |
| Opposite (clash) | Tiger |
| Tricky pairing | Pig |
The Rat and Dragon share your values and pace. The Snake is your quiet, steady ally. The Tiger is your opposite: lots of spark, and lots of friction. Check any pairing with the Chinese zodiac compatibility calculator.
The Monkey at work and in love
Monkeys do well where quick thinking pays: technology, trading, marketing, entertainment, invention, journalism and problem-solving roles. In love, Monkeys are fun, flirtatious and generous. They need a partner who keeps them curious and can match their wit.
The Monkey in 2026 and 2027
The 2026 Fire Horse year is a neutral year for the Monkey: steady, with no strong pull either way, so what you put in is what you get out. The 2027 Fire Goat year, which begins on 6 February 2027, is a neutral year for the Monkey: steady, with no strong pull either way, so what you put in is what you get out.
Questions people ask
What years are the Monkey in the Chinese zodiac?
1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016 and 2028, each counted from that year’s Chinese New Year.
Who is the Monkey most compatible with?
The Rat and Dragon (its trine partners) and the Snake (its secret friend).
Which animal does the Monkey clash with?
The Tiger, which sits opposite the Monkey on the zodiac wheel. A clash means different needs and pace, not a match that can’t work.
What is the Monkey's element?
Each Monkey year has its own element, and the Monkey’s fixed element is Metal.
Astrology here is for reflection and self-understanding. It doesn't predict events, and it isn't medical, legal or financial advice.