Year of the Dragon: Fortune, Personality, Horoscope (2025)
2024 is the Year of the Wood Dragon. Dragon is the 5th animal in the 12-year cycle of the Chinese zodiac signs, coming after the Rabbit and before the Snake. Recent years of the Dragon include 2024 (this year), 2012, 2000, 1988, 1976, 1964, and 1952, with the next Dragon year in 2036 (Year of the Fire Dragon). It is associated with the earthly branch symbol chen.
Dragon is powerful, endlessly energetic and full of vitality, goal-oriented yet idealistic and romantic, and a visionary leader. They know exactly who they are and possess the keenest sense of self among the 12 zodiacs of Chinese astrology.
Chinese Zodiac Years for Dragon
Like many aspects of traditional Chinese culture, the 12 Chinese zodiac animal signs are based on the Chinese lunar calendar, which differs slightly from our Gregorian calendar system. Use the calculator below to find your Chinese zodiac.
Chinese zodiac calculator
Curious, resourceful, and quick-witted, Rat’s natural charm opens doors to opportunity. Your dynamic personality... more
If you were born in January or February, pay special attention to when the Lunar New Year (or Chinese New Year) begins since you may be the previous year’s animal.
Chart of Years, Dates, and Elements for Dragon Zodiac Signs
Dragon Year | Lunar Year Start Date | Lunar Year End Date | Element |
|---|---|---|---|
1928 | February 23, 1928 | February 9, 1929 | Earth |
1940 | February 9, 1940 | January 26, 1941 | Metal |
1952 | January 27, 1952 | February 13, 1953 | Water |
1964 | February 13, 1964 | February 1, 1965 | Wood |
1976 | January 31, 1976 | February 17, 1977 | Fire |
1988 | February 17, 1988 | February 5, 1989 | Earth |
2000 | February 5, 2000 | January 23, 2001 | Metal |
2012 | January 23, 2012 | February 9, 2013 | Water |
2024 | February 10, 2024 | January 25, 2025 | Wood |
2036 | January 28, 2036 | February 14, 2037 | Fire |
Dragon’s 2025 Horoscope (Year of the Snake)
2025 promises to be a stable and prosperous year for Dragons, particularly in financial growth and personal development. While health may present challenges, Dragons who focus on their well-being will find that their efforts lead to success and stability in other areas of life.
Read more: Dragon’s 2025 Horoscope (Love, Career, Wealth, Health)
Personality Traits of Dragon Signs
Dragons present themselves as magnificent yet benevolent rulers who’re confident, generous, idealistic, and ambitious. In Chinese culture, these mythical creatures are in a class of their own, regarded as the givers of abundance and longevity.
Dragon’s confidence is neither false nor empty, as they hold lofty ideals they’re striving toward— usually for the benefit of their community instead of themselves. They are independent thinkers who’ll never yield their highest conviction.
Dragons are strong and independent figures, but they yearn for support and love.
Dragons are wise and adventurous and, at times, temperamental and impulsive. They’ll be loved and admired by many but find it difficult to return such affection. This will be one of Dragon’s most important lessons.
Even though they may not care to invest in relationships, Dragons cannot stay alone for too long without feeling desolate. Once they find that special someone, Dragons will guard that person as their treasure horde.
Dragon Strengths
Dragons are upright characters themselves and scorn any hypocritical or dishonorable behavior, and have a self-respecting pride that’s matched by Dragons’ wisdom, generosity, vigor, and talent. They’re full of energy and can attract followers with their charisma.
Dragon people are usually courageous and fearless leaders who’ll never back down from any challenge. This enterprising spirit, coupled with their innate talent, will, without a doubt, make Dragons the movers and shakers of this world.
Dragon Weaknesses
On the flip side of Dragons’ confidence and courage, they can also become domineering, temperamental, self-centered, and gullible. This last possibility seems difficult to understand until you realize Dragons believe themselves to always know best.
On the social side, Dragons can be prone to desperation in their younger years because they hate being alone, especially in love. They can come off as overbearing when they’re only showing that they care.
Dragon Zodiacs and the Five Elements Theory
The Chinese Five Elements Theory assigns one of the five elements—Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, and Earth—to each year, in addition to the zodiacs. So Dragons born in different years will have different personalities.
Lucky (and Unlucky) Things for Dragons
Blue and purple, the numbers 6 and 8, west and northeast bring good luck for Dragons, while black and red, 4 and 9, east and northwest are unlucky for them and should be avoided.
Your Ben Ming Nian, or zodiac birth year, is also considered unlucky in Chinese culture, and to ward off any misfortune you should wear red colors (red underwear is popular).
Lucky Things
Lucky numbers: 6, 8
Lucky colors: Cyan Blue, Purple
Lucky directions: West, Northeast
Lucky flowers: Bamboo, Cyclamen
Unlucky Things
Unlucky numbers: 4, 9
Unlucky colors: Black, Red
Unlucky directions: East, Northwest
Love and Compatibility for Dragons
In love, Dragons are idealists and require perfection in both their partner and the relationship itself. To attract their attention, a person must almost possess a special kind of grace or some divinely ordained talent.
Unless they want to end up alone, Dragons must learn to rein in their unruly personalities and present a more down-to-earth image, and they must understand that love is more about care and understanding instead of perfection.
❤️ Best Match: Dragon and Rat
Dragon and Rat seem so different, yet they share the same practical quality that both will use to affect reality in some way. It’s a breath of fresh air to find someone who understands that!
Dragons believe in making the world a better place as advocates and pioneers, while Rats build a comfortable nest—their own little world. Together, these zodiacs are so energized that both visions can be realized.
❤️ Best Match: Dragon and Monkey
For signs known for their sharp intellect, Dragon and Monkey seem to love each other in that completely illogical way that many find foolish. Underneath the passion, however, is the meeting of two equal minds.
Monkey seems the only one who can bring their mighty Dragon down to earth and teach them how to delight in the little things, while Dragon lends a higher vantage point to their whimsical partner.
❤️ Best Match: Dragon and Rooster
Dragon and Rooster seem to share one trait—their vanity. But while this may rub others the wrong way, they will recognize the pride in who they are and what they achieve that’s hidden underneath.
Undeniably high-achieving, Dragon and Rooster can learn to be the kind of power couple that are most resilient where they are not only there to celebrate the other’s success, but to nurse their failure, too.
Worst Matches: Dog, Rabbit
Dragon and Dog: This is not an ideal match for love and marriage since Dragon and Dog will have little in common and often find themselves mute in each other’s company. Not exactly the warm relationship either craves.
Dragon cares about the world and may find Dog, who’s more concerned about their day-to-day life, rather dull, while to Dog, Dragon is just a touch too condescending. They’re not built for the same lifestyle.
Dragon and Rabbit: This is a complicated relationship full of petty bickering. Although these two can make their love last if Rabbit allows Dragon to take the driver’s seat and try to be present without worrying too much.
Otherwise, Rabbit may show their selfish streak in this relationship because they’re insecure—could Dragon’s worldly ways be too larger-than-life for this sensitive zodiac? It’s a shame since Dragon was attracted precisely to Rabbit’s sensitivity.
Careers Fit for the Chinese Zodiac Dragon
Dragons can excel at any task, including art, politics, and academics. Indeed, when their interest is piqued, Dragons are almost tireless in their drive to know everything about their chosen field and get to the top.
However, Dragons aren’t great with trivialities and may be best helped along by more detail-oriented zodiac signs, freeing Dragons for higher-level thinking and innovation. They are dreamers, above all, and can only work with inspiration.
For that reason, Dragon is advised to treat their teammates with respect and give credit where it’s due. Otherwise, they’ll find themselves isolated. It isn’t possible to do everything yourself, even if you’re a mighty Dragon.
Best careers for Dragons
Artist
Politician
Academic Researcher
Architect
Entrepreneur
Worst careers for Dragons
Soldier
Mechanic
Office Worker
Customer Support
IT
Health and Lifestyle Advice for Dragons
Even though Dragons are born with hearty constitutions, it won’t get them very far given how badly they treat their body—the all-nighters, the times they work through mealtimes, the 7-day work weeks.
That's why Dragons may often face old age riddled with minor illnesses. With all the money you’re sure to make, Dragon, try not to push your body too far and enjoy the world you’re creating.
Dragon and the 12 Zodiac Animals (Origin Story)
You might’ve expected Dragon, being the sacred mythical animal that it is in Chinese culture, to be honored as the first of the 12 zodiacs. There’s an origin story that explains why it’s in 5th place.
Legend has it that the Jade Emperor held a race across the heavenly river to decide which animals should have the honor of the zodiacs. Everyone’s bet was on Dragon to win the grand prize.
On the way to the race, Dragon encountered a village suffering from drought. Taking pity on them and stopping to give them rain, Dragon was late to the race, losing the top prize with honor (and followed by Snake, Horse, Goat and the remaining animals).
Famous People Born in the Year of the Dragon
Dragons are born to be respected and admired, making them sometimes the most well-known people in the history of the world.
Vladimir Putin: October 7, 1952, Water Dragon
Reese Witherspoon: March 22, 1976, Fire Dragon
Michelle Obama: January 17, 1964, Wood Dragon
Rihanna: February 20, 1988, Earth Dragon
Frankie Jonas: September 28, 2000, Metal Dragon
Adele: May 5, 1988, Earth Dragon
John Lennon: October 9, 1940, Metal Dragon
Martin Luther King Jr.: January 15, 1929, Earth Dragon
Bruce Lee: November 27, 1940, Metal Dragon