Introduction to the Year of the Snake
The Year of the Snake is part of the Chinese zodiac, which follows a 12-year cycle linked to the lunar calendar. Each zodiac year begins on Lunar New Year and also aligns with the start of the solar term Lichun, which usually falls around February 4. The Year of the Snake corresponds to the ninth sign in the cycle, with people born in these years often associated with perceived traits linked to the animal. In this evergreen profile, we explain when the Year of the Snake ends according to both the lunisolar and solar calendars.
Lunar Calendar End Date
In the Chinese lunisolar calendar, the Year of the Snake ends on the day before the next Lunar New Year. For example, in the years between 2020 and 2042, the Year of the Snake ends the day before a new Lunar New Year begins, which usually falls in late January or mid-February. This means the Year of the Snake concludes at the close of the last lunar month, which may be either 29 or 30 days, depending on the year. Because Lunar New Year shifts annually, the exact Gregorian calendar date shifts within a predictable range.
Upcoming Lunar Transitions
Below is a reference table that shows recent and near-future years labeled as the Year of the Snake, along with the corresponding Lunar New Year start and the first day of the following year, which together define the period of the Snake.
| Year of the Snake | Lunar New Year Start | Next Lunar New Year Start | Year of the Snake Period (Lunar) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2025-01-29 | 2026-02-17 | 2025-01-29 to 2026-02-16 |
| 2013 | 2013-02-10 | 2014-01-31 | 2013-02-10 to 2014-01-30 |
| 2001 | 2001-01-24 | 2002-02-12 | 2001-01-24 to 2002-02-11 |
Solar Term Framework: Lichun and the End
In the traditional solar calendar, the year is divided into 24 solar terms, and the Year of the Snake can also be defined by Lichun, or Start of Spring. Lichun typically arrives on February 3, 4, or 5. From a solar term perspective, the Year of the Snake ends on the next Lichun, marking the transition into the next solar year. This differs from the lunisolar Lunar New Year and is used in seasonal planning, agriculture, and some traditional calendars.
Solar Term Pattern for the Year of the Snake
The table below illustrates how the Year of the Snake aligns with Lichun dates in recent and near-future years. Note that the solar year boundary occurs when Lichun arrives, not when Lunar New Year does.
| Year of the Snake | Lichun Start (Previous Year) | Lichun End (Year of the Snake) | Solar Year Framework |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024-02-04 | 2025-02-03 | 2024-02-04 to 2025-02-03 |
| 2013 | 2012-02-04 | 2013-02-04 | 2012-02-04 to 2013-02-04 |
| 2001 | 2000-02-04 | 2001-02-04 | 2000-02-04 to 2001-02-04 |
Regional and Cultural Context
Although Lunar New Year is widely observed across East and Southeast Asia, regional calendars can produce slightly different local dates. In China, Lunar New Year marks the start of the zodiac year for most cultural purposes, while Korea, Vietnam, and other countries may observe similar but distinct new year alignments based on historical calendar use. The Year of the Snake end date can therefore vary by local tradition depending on whether a region follows strict lunisolar rules or civil calendar adjustments introduced in modern times.
Key Differences at a Glance
- Lunar calendar end: the day before the next Lunar New Year, tied to the lunisolar month.
- Solar term end: the next Lichun, marking the solar year boundary in East Asian calendars.
- Gregorian dates: typically fall between late January and mid-February for both endpoints, depending on the year.
- Regional variations: some countries celebrate on fixed civil dates, while others follow traditional lunisolar calculations.
Practical Takeaways
To determine when the Year of the Snake ends, first identify which framework you are using. If you are following the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar, it ends on the day before Lunar New Year. If you are using the solar term framework, it ends on the next Lichun. Both systems remain in use for different cultural, agricultural, and ceremonial purposes, so understanding both helps clarify references to the Year of the Snake across sources.