The Psychic Studio
Leo zodiac dates are usually listed as July 23 to August 22 in Western tropical astrology. Dates well inside that range, such as July 31 and August 1, fall within Leo. A birthday near either boundary needs the birth year and exact time checked before the Sun sign is confirmed.
Leo is the fifth sign of the tropical zodiac, a fire sign ruled by the Sun and symbolized by the lion. These are astrology conventions, not a scientific description of personality.
The dates move by a day now and then. The Sun enters Leo at a precise moment that shifts a little each year, so a birthday on July 22 or 23 can land on either side. The cusp section below shows how to settle it.
Leo dates at a glance
If you are checking neighboring dates, see the Cancer zodiac dates and Virgo zodiac dates. Curious about the sign's instincts? Read Leo psychic abilities.
Leo season: July 23 to August 22.
Cusp days to double-check: July 22 to 24 and August 22 to 23.
If your birthday sits in the middle of the window, you are a Leo and the dates are all you need. Edge birthdays depend on the year and the birth time. Our zodiac sign dates page lists the boundary for every sign.
What makes Leo different from the other fire signs
Aries starts things, Sagittarius wanders off to explore them, and Leo is the one who stays to host. Leo is a fixed sign, which means it holds its position through the middle of summer. That fits the personality: loyal, steady and happiest when it has an audience of people it likes.
Leo's ruler in astrology is the Sun, described as a luminary rather than a planet. Traditional Leo descriptions emphasize warmth, generosity and visibility. Treat those themes as prompts to compare with a person's actual habits, rather than facts established by a birthday.
Leo strengths and blind spots
Leo's best trait is generosity with attention. A Leo manager notices who stayed late and says so. A Leo friend shows up with soup when you are sick, and tells everyone you made them do it, which is part of the charm.
The blind spot is pride. Leo takes criticism personally and can dig in over small things. Leos also spend more than they plan to on gifts and nights out. The fix is simple to say and hard to do: ask for feedback in private, and set a monthly budget for treating people. The full profile is on our Leo zodiac page.
Born on the Leo cusp
Two sign boundaries touch Leo: Cancer to Leo around July 22 or 23, and Leo to Virgo around August 22 or 23. The Sun changes signs at one moment. A nearby birthday does not establish a blend of two Sun signs.
To check an edge birthday, use the full birth date, recorded birth time and birthplace in an accurate chart calculation. The location lets the calculation account for the local time zone. If the birth time is unknown and the Sun changed signs that day, leave the result uncertain. Our birth chart guide explains the information needed; it is not a chart calculator.
Leo compatibility
Leo pairs well with other fire and air signs because they match its energy. Leo and Aries is a high-voltage match with plenty of friction. Leo and Libra is easier, since Libra enjoys the show and Leo enjoys being appreciated. Leo and Sagittarius tends to be the most relaxed of the three.
Leo and Scorpio is another pairing worth comparing. Two fixed signs that both want to lead have to agree on who drives, and that conversation takes some time. Our Leo and Scorpio page covers how couples handle it.
Leo season and daily tarot
Leo season is the part of the tropical zodiac calendar associated with the Sun in Leo. A general date range is useful for orientation, but it is not an exact entry-time table for a particular year or time zone.
The Leo horoscope page offers a changing daily tarot card and reflection questions. It does not calculate planetary transits or predict what will happen during your week. For Leo's tarot connection, explore Strength as a reflection on patience and self-control.
Curious about the sign's intuition? Read which zodiac signs are called most psychic.
FAQ
What are the dates for Leo?
Leo runs from July 23 to August 22 in most years. The exact moment the Sun enters Leo changes slightly each year.
Is July 22 or July 23 Cancer or Leo?
Either date can fall near the Cancer-Leo change. Check the Sun's position for your birth year and time, using the birthplace to convert local time correctly. A fixed date list cannot settle every edge birthday.
What zodiac sign is August 22?
August 22 is usually the last day of Leo. In some years the Sun moves into Virgo late on August 22, so the exact year and time of birth decide.
Is Leo a fire or air sign?
Leo is a fire sign, along with Aries and Sagittarius.
What planet rules Leo?
The Sun rules Leo. Astrologers call the Sun a luminary rather than a planet, but it holds the ruling role.
For birthdays well inside Leo, read the July 31 zodiac sign or July 27 zodiac sign guide. These date pages use the same tropical zodiac convention.