Leo
July 23 to August 22 · Fixed Fire · Ruled by The Sun
- Dates
- July 23 to August 22
- Element
- Fire
- Modality
- Fixed
- Ruling planet
- The Sun
- Birthstone
- Peridot
- Lucky colors
- Gold, Orange
About Leo
Leo is a fixed fire sign ruled by the Sun, cast in tradition as the natural leader and performer, warm, generous and proud. The lion is its emblem. Leo season falls in the bright heart of summer.
Leo traits
As a fixed fire sign, Leo is often described with these strengths and challenges. Astrology is a tradition, not a science, so read this as a character sketch rather than a prediction.
Strengths
- Confident
- Generous
- Warm-hearted
- Creative
Challenges
- Proud
- Domineering
- Attention-seeking
Leo dates and cusps
Leo runs from July 23 to August 22. Because the sun does not cross the sign boundaries at exactly the same clock time each year, the first and last dates can shift by a day. If your birthday sits right on the edge, the birth profile tool will show the sign for your exact date. Leo falls in July and August.
Leo birthstone and colors
The traditional Leo birthstone is Peridot, and the sign's lucky colors are Gold and Orange. These pair naturally with Leo in jewelry or a birth profile card.
Leo compatibility
Leo tends to match most easily with Aries, Sagittarius, Gemini and Libra. These are the classic element-based matches. See how Leo pairs with any sign on the compatibility pages.
Frequently asked questions
What are the Leo dates?
Leo covers July 23 to August 22. Boundary dates can shift by a day between years, so if you were born right at the edge, check your exact birthday.
What element is Leo?
Leo is a fire sign, and specifically a fixed fire sign ruled by The Sun.
What is the Leo birthstone?
The traditional Leo birthstone is Peridot.
Who is Leo most compatible with?
Leo is traditionally most compatible with Aries, Sagittarius, Gemini, Libra. Those ratings come from a published formula, not a reading, and you can check the arithmetic on the method page.
Is Leo a fire sign?
Yes. Leo is a fixed fire sign. The symbol is often misread: the lion is a fire sign, the fixed one of the three.
Why is Leo ruled by The Sun?
In the classical scheme each planet governs one or two signs, and The Sun was assigned to Leo. It is a convention from the tradition, not a physical relationship.
Other zodiac signs
Related guides
Last reviewed . Method: how we work this out.