Earth sign · Cardinal
Capricorn December 22 to January 19
Capricorn begins at the December solstice and is the only sign that runs across New Year. The Tropic of Capricorn is named after it, for the same reason as the Tropic of Cancer. Its symbol is the sea-goat, half goat and half fish. Astrology gives Capricorn to Saturn and links it with patience, ambition and a dry sense of humour.
Capricorn at a glance
- Symbol
- The Sea-Goat
- Element
- Earth
- Modality
- Cardinal
- Ruling planet
- Saturn
- Opposite sign
- Cancer
- Season
- Winter in the north, summer in the south
When Capricorn season starts
The Sun enters Capricorn at a slightly different moment each year. From 2000 to 2050 that moment falls on December 21 or December 22 in UTC, and local time can move it a day earlier or later. Someone born on one of those days could be Sagittarius or Capricorn, depending on the year and the hour.
Check a Sagittarius or Capricorn birthday
Times are worked out from the Sun's position using Jean Meeus's Astronomical Algorithms and checked against the US Naval Observatory's equinox and solstice times. How the calculator works
| Year | Capricorn begins (UTC) |
|---|---|
| 2025 | |
| 2026 | |
| 2027 | |
| 2028 | |
| 2029 | |
| 2030 | |
| 2031 | |
| 2032 | |
| 2033 | |
| 2034 |
What astrology says about Capricorn
Patient and determined, astrology's Capricorn builds slowly and builds to last.
- Patient and determined
- Reliable when it counts
- Funny in a dry, understated way
- Plays the long game
Gift ideas for a Capricorn
Something built to last
A leather wallet or a cast-iron pan they will still use in ten years.
A biography of someone they admire
Capricorn enjoys a story about hard work paying off.
A smart desk upgrade
A laptop stand or a good lamp for long work sessions.
A plan that runs on time
Booked and confirmed well ahead. No surprises on the day.
A classic they will use for years
A wool jumper or a pen that writes well.
