2016 Chinese zodiac: year of the Fire Monkey
2016 was the year of the Fire Monkey in the Chinese zodiac. It began on 8 February 2016 and ended on 27 January 2017.
2016 is the year of the Fire Monkey (Yang). The Chinese year of the Monkey ran from 8 February 2016 to 27 January 2017, so anyone born between those dates is a Fire Monkey. Babies born in 2016 before 8 February 2016 belong to the Wood Goat of 2015.
2016 Fire Monkey personality
People born in the year of the Monkey are clever, curious and playful. Their strengths are inventiveness, humour and fast learning; their watch-outs are restlessness and occasional mischief.
The Fire element adds passion, energy and leadership, so the Fire Monkey of 2016 combines the Monkey's nature with fire qualities. Yang years are traditionally seen as outgoing and active.
Careers that suit the Monkey: technology, science, trading, media, engineering.
Born in January or February 2016?
The Chinese year does not start on 1 January. In 2016, Chinese New Year fell on 8 February 2016.
- Born 8 February 2016 or later in 2016: Fire Monkey.
- Born 1 January – 7 February 2016: Wood Goat (2015 sign).
Monkey compatibility
| Match | Signs |
|---|---|
| Best (same triangle) | Rat, Dragon |
| Secret friend | Snake |
| Traditional clash | Tiger |
Other Monkey years
1980, 1992, 2004, 2028, 2040. The Fire Monkey itself returns in 2076.
Enter your birth date and we place January and February births in the right year. No sign-up, no payment.
Frequently asked questions
What Chinese zodiac is 2016?
The Fire Monkey, for births from 8 February 2016 to 27 January 2017.
What if I was born in January or early February 2016?
If you were born before 8 February 2016, your sign is the Wood Goat of 2015, because the Chinese year had not yet changed.
What element is 2016 in the Chinese zodiac?
Fire (Yang). Fire is linked with passion, energy and leadership; its colour is red.
Which signs are compatible with the Monkey?
Best matches are the Rat and Dragon, plus the Snake as a "secret friend". The traditional clash is with the Tiger.
When is the next Fire Monkey year?
2076. The same animal and element combination returns every 60 years.
How old is someone born in 2016 in 2026?
They turn 10 during 2026.
Source and method
Chinese New Year dates (China Standard Time) were cross-checked against two independent lunar-calendar tables and published listings. Animals and elements follow the traditional 60-year (sexagenary) cycle.