Year of the Dragon: What 2024 Has in Store for You
Updated: Apr. 18, 2024
In the Year of the Dragon, a little boldness will go a long way—especially if you time it right. Find out when luck will be on your side in the year ahead.
Welcome to 2024: the Year of the Dragon. And yes, it’s going to be as fiery and bold as it sounds, since the Dragon is considered the luckiest zodiac sign in Chinese culture. It will also be a marked contrast to 2023’s Year of the Rabbit, when we felt more hesitant, introspective and precarious about our place in the world. Whereas we put one toe in the water to test things out last year, we’ll be diving right in as soon as the Lunar New Year hits. When, exactly, is that? This year, the Chinese New Year (and the Year of the Dragon) starts on Feb. 10, 2024, and ends on Jan. 28, 2025.
Also worth noting: Dragons aren’t the only lucky thing about 2024. The upcoming year promises to be even better because of its Chinese zodiac element: wood. A Wood Dragon year has the potential to usher in good fortune, action and expansion, and you’d better brace yourself, because things will be happening quickly!
But will everyone have this good fortune—or only a few select Chinese zodiac signs? Over my many years of practicing astrology (mostly Western, with some Chinese), I have found that the symbolic animal has an uncanny amount of influence on all the signs. And that means you should buckle up for a whole different vibe in 2024. While we’ll need to show some courage over the next 12 months, we have every reason to feel more optimism because much more will simply happen in a Wood Dragon year. Here’s what you can expect, along with a handy guide to each sign’s luckiest months.
Get Reader’s Digest’s Read Up newsletter for more zodiac, humor, cleaning, travel, tech and fun facts all week long.
What are Dragon personality traits?
Dragon years can best be described as focused and driven—just like the people born under this Chinese zodiac sign. These folks are lucky, and they know it. Their personalities are infused with confidence, and they have no problem being assertive and taking on leadership roles. They also have a wild streak and enjoy a raucous good time. Dragons are apt to put the power into a power ballad at karaoke, and at work, they’re the ones who make a game out of who can finish first (with a kooky prize to inspire everyone). Famous Dragons include Sandra Bullock, Courtney Cox and Emma Stone—and they exemplify the dragon personality with their energy, charisma and spontaneous humor.
It’s interesting to note that the Dragon is the only one of the 12 signs that is based on an imaginary animal. No wonder Dragons are so charismatic and larger than life—they are truly fabulous creatures of fantasy! One problem? With all this bluster, they can also be a little hot-headed and arrogant at times. They do well to surround themselves with close friends who will be straight up with them, rather than yes men.
How 2024’s Year of the Dragon will affect you
Having your—er—stuff together will be very important during the Year of the Dragon. Winging it (or showing up in sweatpants to a Zoom call) will not go over well this year. Instead, you’ll want to bring your A-game and show that you are not just a hard worker but a winner. Dragon years fare well for those with a competitive spirit.
Prosperity will also be a big theme for all zodiac signs this year, but people born during the Year of the Dragon will be in for a particularly fortunate ride. Prospects are expansive on the career front, and you can earn the respect you deserve. The wood element will also usher in excitement, abundance and growth. With a “spring is in the air” feeling, you’re likely to experience more romance this year, as well as a desire to reinvent existing relationships so that they feel fresh again.
Which signs will thrive in the Year of the Dragon?
As mentioned above, if you were born under the sign of the Dragon, you’re in luck! This is the year you’ll really get noticed, and this good fortune will last all year long. As for the rest of the Chinese zodiac, the signs that are most compatible with the Dragon—Roosters, Monkeys and Pigs—will be also be in for smooth sailing in 2024.
Let’s start with Roosters, Dragons’ besties. They tend to be showy and performative (they’ve got the moves like Jagger) and will likely grab attention from all the right people at just the right times. Much like Dragons, they possess significant leadership abilities, though they are more cunning than forceful in how they steer the ship.
Monkeys should also thrive during the year of the Dragon. They possess tons of energy and are apt to feel especially vital physically and vibrant personally in the year ahead. As for Pigs, these folks appreciate the good life and are apt to do well in a year focused on abundance.
Overall? Expect each of these four signs’ winning qualities to be amplified and for them to be gifted with more opportunities to manifest their dreams—and achieve success.
Which signs will have more difficulty in the Year of the Dragon?
Oxes, Rabbits and Dogs will have a more challenging year. But don’t worry too much: While you might not have the most linear path in the year of the Dragon, you will still get where you need to go. These signs tend to be a little more low-key and humble, so they may have a harder time jumping into the spotlight during this assertive year. To counter this challenge, they should make themselves indispensable behind the scenes. Minding the details will make them everyone’s go-to, and they will build up a lot of good will.
Another boon for Rabbits? They can continue riding their high from 2023’s Year of the Rabbit in the transition weeks before the Dragon year fully takes hold. And in the rest of the year, they can build on some of their wins from last year. They likely connected deeply with their beloveds during the Year of the Rabbit, and this year, they can go even deeper in building intimacy.
As for Dogs, I have seen a few of my Year of the Dog clients thrive even under challenging circumstances. It all boils down to their loyalty, a quality that makes them trusted by others, no matter what year it is.
How will the rest of the signs fare?
The Tiger, Snake and Horse may feel a little like the “vice president” this year—second banana rather than in the spotlight. And that’s OK, because they’re building up momentum. Remember: Sometimes when projects and relationships are being developed, it’s best to not shout from the rooftops about how they’re going. These signs are better off being a little more private, except for their lucky months (see below), when caution can be thrown to the wind.
As for Rats and Sheep, they are able to hold their own and fly under the radar most of the year, popping up for surprise victories during their lucky months. These signs should use strategic skills to plan—acting as an observer and then pouncing into action when they have all their ducks in a row.
Lucky times of the year for each sign
Rat
Birth years: 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008, 2020
In June, Rats are likely to feel at peace in their relationships with family and friends, while December bodes well for prosperity in Rats’ lives (think: a surprise windfall). Overall, December is when they’ll have a sense that they’re “going somewhere.”
Ox
Birth years: 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997, 2009, 2021
Ox people err on the side of caution but will feel a little bit of freedom and willingness to take risks in March. Good luck also comes up in July, when their conservative nature can take a rest and “peace out” from trying so hard to be right.
Tiger
Birth years: 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998, 2010, 2022
Tigers are an intense clan who may thrive during the kick-off of the Year of the Dragon in February, particularly in their social lives. Making new connections will lead to more good luck, in both love and career. Tigers should get out and play as much as possible. Overall, though, those born in the Year of the Tiger are in for a balanced year. They may hit a bump in June as their energy wanes, but in general, they will move slowly but steadily forward this year.
Rabbit
Birth years: 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999, 2011, 2023
Last year was your year, Rabbits, and you may feel some of those good vibes again in February as you reap the rewards of your creative endeavors. The more you put your ideas and artistry out there for the public to see, the more success you will experience. August finds you in a particularly good place with friendship and romance.
Dragon
Birth years: 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000, 2012, 2024
We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: This is your year! (And Dragons, we know you love hearing that!) You tackled some hard times in 2023, as you had to finish up old business and cut some dead wood. However, February and May will be good times to start some important new business and forge new alliances. Your confidence is back in full force.
Snake
Birth years: 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001, 2013, 2025
Those born in the Year of the Snake should get a nice boost this year. After all, in ancient Chinese mythology, the Snake Goddess Nuwa presides over fertility, which is a big theme of any Dragon year. For those who are hoping to have kids, this could be a literal time of fertility! May and August will be particularly good months for Snakes—expect your popularity to soar.
Horse
Birth years: 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002, 2014, 2026
Fiercely independent, Horses will do best by following the beat of their own drum in 2024—particularly in March and December, when they will feel free to leave the home fires burning as they pursue bigger dreams. International travel is especially favored, but even if they stay home, they’ll be focusing on “big” desires, like a new house and new projects.
Sheep (or Goat)
Birth years: 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003, 2015
Shy Sheep will feel a little off-kilter at times during the Year of the Dragon, but luckily, their quiet natures allow them to pay attention and tune into what is going on around them. I have seen Sheep clients excel under pressure, and this year is no different. April and July will be their luckiest months in 2024, as they’ll feel a little more confident and extroverted.
Monkey
Birth years: 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004, 2016
Famous Monkeys like Ryan Gosling and Jake Gyllenhaal personify the energy of their Chinese zodiac sign. With all that physical energy to spare, they are likely to feel lucky most of the year. April and October will see them in particularly good form in areas of romance and collaboration.
Rooster
Birth years: 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005, 2017
Roosters are on fire during the Year of the Dragon, as they possess the style and wildness that vibe best in the months ahead. They will be particularly prosperous in May and September, and their bold decisiveness should bring them abundance in spades.
Dog
Birth years: 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006, 2018
Those born under the sign of the Dog may not feel completely at ease during the Year of the Dragon because of their sensitive natures. However, Dogs love to give and will enjoy sharing with their nearest and dearest in the months ahead. April and August see a lot of their good will coming back to them as they reap the good karma they deserve.
Pig
Birth years: 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007, 2019
Pigs should fare fabulously in the Year of the Dragon, and prosperity will be their middle name! September and November are especially lucky for those born in Pig years, as they will be able to see around corners and anticipate trends that others may not be aware of.
Originally Published: January 17, 2024
