Leo zodiac sign: dates, traits and meaning

Leo is the fifth sign of the tropical zodiac and usually covers about July 23 to August 22. Between 1930 and 2030 the Sun entered Leo on July 22 or 23 (UTC). Leo is a fixed fire sign, traditionally ruled by the Sun.

Leo at a glance
Typical dates	July 23 – August 22
Sun enters (1930–2030)	07/22 – 07/23 (month/day, UTC)
Ecliptic longitude	120° – 150°
Element, modality	Fire, fixed
Polarity	active (yang)
Ruling planet	Sun
Symbol	Lion
Opposite sign	Aquarius

Updated 8 November 2026

Zodiac sign120°

Leo

Element: Fire
Mode: Fixed
Ruler: Sun

Leo symbolizes creativity, warmth and the joy of self-expression. It is associated with generosity, loyalty and a natural sense of presence.

Leo energy thrives on wholehearted participation – the party, the project, the stage. Its quiet challenge is confidence that survives the days without applause.

Leo as Sun, Moon and rising sign

Sun in Leo

A Leo Sun tends to shine when it can create, celebrate and be wholeheartedly itself. You may be generous with praise, loyalty and time, and you often bring warmth that others gather around. The growth edge is trusting your worth even on days when no one is clapping.

Moon in Leo

With the Moon in Leo, you may feel emotionally nourished by appreciation, play and heartfelt attention. Your feelings tend to be big and sincere, and you often express them dramatically rather than hiding them. Being seen by the people you love can matter more than being seen by many.

Leo rising

A Leo rising often gives a warm, confident first impression – people notice when you walk in. You may come across as expressive, friendly and a little theatrical in the best way. You tend to meet new situations by bringing your own light into them.

Compatibility by element

As a fire sign, Leo tends to share momentum with Aries and Sagittarius and to enjoy the ideas of air signs (Gemini, Libra). Opposite Aquarius balances personal expression with collective ideals. Full charts tell the real story.

When the Sun enters Leo

Year	Sun enters Leo
2024	22 July at 07:44 UTC
2025	22 July at 13:29 UTC
2026	22 July at 19:13 UTC
2027	23 July at 01:04 UTC
2028	22 July at 06:53 UTC
2029	22 July at 12:41 UTC
2030	22 July at 18:25 UTC

The Leo constellation

Tropical Leo spans ecliptic longitude 120°–150°.

Questions

What are the Leo dates?

Leo runs from roughly July 23 to August 22. The exact day the Sun changes sign shifts by up to a day from year to year (and depends on your time zone), so if you were born on a boundary date, check your year with the zodiac sign calculator.

Is July 22 Leo or Cancer?

It can be either. Between 1930 and 2030 the Sun entered Leo on July 22 or July 23 (UTC), so the year and time of birth matter.

What planet rules Leo?

The Sun is the traditional ruler of Leo. Leo and Cancer (ruled by the Moon) are the only signs traditionally ruled by the two luminaries.