Leo zodiac sign

The Leo zodiac sign runs from 23 July to 22 August. Explore its personality, love style, career strengths and best matches.

Fire · Fixed · Ruled by Sun

Dates: 23 July – 22 August
Element: Fire
Modality: Fixed
Ruling planet: Sun
Symbol: The Lion
Opposite sign: Aquarius

Personality

Personality traits of the Leo zodiac sign

Leo is the sign ruled by the Sun itself, and it carries that same warmth. Leo energy is about self-expression, creativity and the joy of being seen. It is the part of us that wants to play, perform and make something that feels truly ours. At heart, Leo is generous. It shines brightest when it is lifting other people up too.

Where Leo sits in your chart shows where you want to be recognised and where you have natural charisma. Strong Leo placements give a big heart, a love of celebration and a loyal streak that runs deep. Leo can also be more sensitive than it lets on. Behind the confident front is someone who simply wants to know that they matter.

The sign shares its name with the Leo constellation, one of the star patterns the Sun passes in front of during the year.

warmcreativegenerousexpressiveloyal

Strengths

Warm and big-hearted
Creative and expressive
Loyal for the long term
Natural confidence that lifts a room
Generous with praise and time

Challenges

Can take criticism very personally
Needs appreciation to stay motivated
Stubborn once a view is formed
May hide hurt behind pride

Life & relationships

The Leo zodiac sign in love, work and friendship

In love

Leo loves with its whole chest. Romance, grand gestures and genuine admiration matter, and Leo will give the same back in abundance. They want a partner they are proud of and one who is proud of them. Loyalty is non-negotiable. A Leo who feels taken for granted dims quickly, so small, regular appreciation goes a long way.

At work

Leo shines in roles with visibility and creative freedom: performing arts, design, teaching, leadership, events and anything client-facing. They motivate teams well and enjoy being trusted with something important. Leo struggles in invisible roles where effort goes unnoticed, so recognition, even informal, keeps them at their best.

As a friend

As a friend, Leo is the host, the cheerleader and the one who remembers your birthday. They make ordinary plans feel like an occasion. In return they want loyalty and honesty, delivered kindly.

Your Big Three

Leo as your Sun, Moon or Rising sign

Leo feels different depending on where it sits in your chart. Read the placement that matches your Big Three.

Sun in Leo

You feel most alive when you are creating, leading, performing or simply being yourself out loud.

Explore Sun in Leo

Moon in Leo

Emotionally, you are warm and expressive.

Discover Moon in Leo

Leo rising

People see you as warm, confident and a little bit radiant.

See Leo rising

Compatibility

Leo zodiac sign compatibility

Compatibility is about the whole chart, not just Sun signs, but elements give a useful starting point. As a fire sign, the Leo zodiac sign tends to feel at home with other fire signs and to be energised by air signs.

Natural matches

Opposites attract

Aquarius

Your opposite sign balances you and often brings strong chemistry.

Growth matches

Same modality, different element: friction that can help you grow.

The Leo lesson

The Leo lesson is to shine without needing an audience. Confidence that comes from within makes Leo's warmth even more powerful.

Leo zodiac sign: your questions answered

What are the Leo dates?

The Leo zodiac sign runs from roughly 23 July – 22 August. Exact dates shift by a day in some years, so use a calculator if you were born on the first or last day.

What element and modality is Leo?

Leo is a fixed fire sign, ruled by the Sun. Its symbol is the lion.

Who is Leo most compatible with?

Leo usually connects easily with Aries, Sagittarius (same element) and Gemini, Libra. Its opposite sign, Aquarius, can be a powerful attraction.