1980 Chinese Zodiac: Metal Monkey
People born in 1980 are Yang Metal Monkeys, with one important exception: the first weeks of the year.
Quick answer
The 1980 zodiac year ran from February 16, 1980 to February 4, 1981. If you were born on or after February 16, 1980, your sign is the Metal Monkey. If you were born earlier in 1980, you belong to the Earth Goat of 1979.
Metal Monkey personality
Clever, curious and playful.
The Monkey is the ninth animal of the zodiac and a symbol of intelligence and mischief. Monkeys are witty, inventive and curious, with a talent for solving problems in unexpected ways.
Metal years add determination, discipline and focus. Metal people tend to be organized, ambitious and self-reliant.
Strengths: Clever and inventive, Curious, Funny and social, Adaptable, Quick learner. Watch for: Restless, Mischievous, Competitive, Easily bored, Can be superficial.
Read the full Monkey guide for love, career and compatibility.
Born early in 1980?
The Chinese zodiac follows the lunisolar calendar, so a January or February birth often belongs to the previous animal. In 1980, Chinese New Year fell on February 16, 1980. Anyone born before that date is a Earth Goat instead. See the Goat guide.
1980 zodiac year facts
- Chinese New Year 1980 fell on a Saturday, February 16, 1980.
- The Monkey year lasted 355 days, slightly shorter than a calendar year.
- Anyone born in the first 46 days of 1980 (January 1 to February 16, 1980) belongs to the previous sign.
- People born in 1980 turn 46 or 45 during 2026, depending on their birthday.
Other Monkey years: 1956, 1968, 1992, 2004. Each has a different element, which colors the animal's traits.
Monkey compatibility
The Monkey is traditionally most harmonious with Rat and Dragon, and tends to clash with the Tiger.
Near 1980, the Monkey's harmonious partners were born in: Rat: 1984; Dragon: 1976.
The Chinese zodiac is a cultural tradition offered for reflection and entertainment.