Leo Man Personality Traits, Love Compatibility, and Dating Advice

Astrology can help us understand more about ourselves and the people we love/date/hopelessly crush on—no matter their gender. For more deets on Leo compatibility, check out our guide to dating a Leo woman and our gender-neutral guide to dating a Leo.

There are just a few basics that need to be explored when you first start dating someone. Where is he from? What does he do for a living? Oh, and most definitely, when’s his birthday? This isn’t just for remembering when to send that “happy b-day :)” text! Knowing a potential boo’s zodiac sign can really help in understanding his behavior. Astrology helps us break down personality traits, pet peeves, and, yes, even dating patterns. It can be fun and informative to look up his sign and see if you're astrologically compatible.

If you’re dating, insta sleuthing (hi, guilty), or just fantasizing over a Leo man, we’re here to help you navigate one of the most alluring signs. These complex beings are notoriously the kings of the jungle and zodiac. I mean, their symbol is the regal lion for a reason! He can’t help that the spotlight follows him in just about every situation. We feel for you if your heart skips a few beats after seeing a Leo man walk into the room. C’mon, what is up with that gaze and swag?

Leo men are totally dazzling and can charm their way right into your heart. But they can also be a lil self-absorbed and difficult to understand. Luckily, astrology allows us to decipher personality traits, pet peeves, and so much more. And trust me when I say, there is sooo much more to a Leo man than you initially realized.

So if your guy was born between July 23 and August 22, you’re in for a treat. Life with a Leo is rarely boring, but as it goes with any sign, there are some things you may want to keep an eye out for. Read on because we’ve got the deets on all things Leo!

First, a Birth Chart Calculator

Not sure if your partner/crush/whoever is really a Scorpio? Put their bday into this birth chart calculator to make sure:

This birth chart calculator was created by www.astro-seek.com in collaboration with astrologer Narayana Montúfar. Learn more about Narayana's work on her website www.naramon.com.

The Leo Basics

Birthday: July 23 to August 22

Modality: Fixed

Element: Fire

Ruling planet: The Sun

Represented by: The lion

Tarot card: Strength

Best crystals: Peridot, amber, tourmaline, red jasper

Rules this body part: The heart, spine, and upper back

Keywords: Passionate, warm, generous, caring, attention-grabbing, leader

Best traits: Loyal, brave, creative, charismatic, confident

Worst traits: Over-dramatic, self-centered, egotistical

Love anthem: “I Like It,” by Cardi B, Bad Bunny, and J Balvin

Watch this romance movie together: The Idea of You

Famous Leo men: Barack Obama, Joe Jonas, Shawn Mendes, Chris Hemsworth, Jason Momoa, Dylan Sprouse, Cole Sprouse, Andy Samberg, Lil Uzi Vert, Paul Wesley, Daniel Radcliffe, Mick Jagger, Terry Crews, Daniel Dae Kim, Antonio Banderas, Ben Affleck, Steve Carrell, Sebastian Stan, Andrew Garfield, Austin Butler, Bill Skarsgard, Carlos PenaVega, Ben Barnes, Jesse Williams, Jaemin, Bo Burnham

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A Leo Man's Best Traits

There's a lot to love about a Leo man. They're confident, charismatic, and attractive—people are just naturally draw to them. But even though they're a bit self-centered, they're also incredibly generous, warmhearted, and loyal. If you're with a Leo, you're going to have a great time.

A Leo Man's Worst Traits

So yeah, Leos are famously self-centered, which can translate to a little bit of selfishness. It's not that they're intentionally ignoring your needs, it's just that their own are always at the front of their mind. If you're dating a Leo, you'll have to speak up about what you want rather than expecting him to notice.

The Best Matches for a Leo Man

Leo and Libra

Leos love being coddled and having their egos stroked, so flirtatious, romantic Libra is a great match! This couple is always being invited to parties because they’re sooo much fun to be around. Both signs love attention and truly want the best for everyone. They can def learn a lot from each other and will likely have a very balanced relationship.

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Leo and Aries

Kingly Leo is attracted to someone who’s just as vibrant and unique as they are, so Aries is a wonderful match too. Both are full of passion and intensity that will, together, make sparks fly. They’re both bold and brash, and their fire sign compatibility is out of this world! Plus, there is a sexual chemistry that seems to just get better and better with age.

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Leo and Sagittarius

Fellow fire sign Sagittarius has a spontaneous, adventurous spirit that Leo finds super attractive. These two firebrands throw the best parties, go on the most luxurious vacations, and basically glow with charisma. Talk about a power couple!

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Leo and Virgo

Virgo’s realism can balance out Leo’s ego, while Leo can teach practical Virgo to live a little! While they’re not very similar, these two signs have a very complementary energy. Virgo plans the party, Leo invites the guests, and they all have a fabulous time.

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Leo and Gemini

Air sign Gemini brings out Leo's playful side, and they're just as energetic as Leo is. A Gemini and Leo pair can have a ton of fun together. They're like a bonfire, burning hot and ready for marshmallows!

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Leo and Aquarius

Leo has opposites-attract style chemistry with their zodiacal opposite, Aquarius. These two might seem like a counterintuitive match at first—Leo has their fan base, Aquarius has a reputation for being something of a loner—but both are super smart, super creative, and passionate about doing good in the world.

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Leo and Leo

Finally, a Leo/Leo duo makes the perfect power couple! If these two can support each other rather than compete for attention, they can be a great fit.

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The Worst Matches for a Leo Man

Leo and Taurus

Leo and Taurus may have to put in a little extra work when it comes to a relationship with a Leo. Both Tauruses and Leos are stubborn, which can make compromising a challenge. Not to mention, Leos love to indulge, while Tauruses are super practical. For their relationship to thrive, Leo should have more patience and Taurus should practice flexibility.

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Leo and Scorpio

Scorpios tend to be mysterious and keep a lower profile, whereas Leos love the spotlight. Scorpio can get uncomfy living a Leo lifestyle, and vice versa! Both signs are also prone to jealousy and passiveness, which means they can be passive aggressive AF.

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Leo and Cancer

Leo can also have tension with homebody Cancer, who simply doesn't gel with Leo's live-fast-die-young lifestyle. Cancer wants to stay home and relax, and Leo always wants to go out! Like Scorpio, this water sign prefers to keep a lower profile.

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That said, having incompatible Sun signs doesn’t mean your relationship is doomed—it just means you might have to put in a little work to really ~get~ each other. And compatibility is about so much more than your Sun sign anyway, so if your Moon signs or another part of your birth charts mesh well, you might be an astrologically blessed match anyway.

But even if your birth chart is full of Scorpio placements, if you make an effort to understand your Leo boo—and vice versa—you can have a great relationship too. And TBH, ~astrological tension~ can often lead to ~sexual tension~, so there’s something to be said for “incompatibility”!

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Sex With a Leo Man

For a Leo, sex is all about fun and joy. They express themselves through touch, so expect lots of foreplay and eye contact that will make you shiver. Although these lions may stick to a few classics, like missionary or doggy, you can bet they will be assertive and dominant in whichever position. Their love of attention means they might have a bit of an exhibitionist streak, enjoy sex in public, have a group sex fantasy…or at least get a thrill out of exchanging nudes. (And maybe a little homemade porn, too.) Because Leos are so chatty, there will likely be a lot of dirty talk.

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A First Date With a Leo Man

Leos don’t really do “casual.” Coffee dates? BORING. A Leo will take you to a private party, on a hot-air balloon ride, or at least to that buzzy cocktail bar that just opened and has a monthlong waiting list. (Don’t worry about it—they know the bartender.) Leos have a romantic flair that means they might surprise you with flowers or write you a poem or even serenade you??? They’re extremely creative and ~dramatic~, is what I’m saying! Just don’t mistake grand romantic gestures for promises of commitment—Leos are down to get cuffed, but they need to really get to know and trust you before they take that step.

A Relationship with a Leo Man

Dating a Leo man means being part of a power couple, even if you're not a Leo yourself. He's just that popular that his glow reflects on you. Hopefully you can keep up with his demanding schedule and legion of fans!

A Leo Man in Love

When a Leo man is in love, you become the center of his world (right alongside himself, of course). This loyal, passionate fire sign will be incredibly romantic. Hope you like PDA, grand gestures, and flash mobs!

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A Leo Man at Home

Leos live in the ~lap of luxury~. They're basically like especially pampered house cats. Expect cozy blankets, velvet couches, and plentyyyy of mirrors. Maybe even a framed self-portrait or two? Leos are one of the most social signs of the zodiac, and they like to surround themselves with a pride. Aka they probably have a roommate or two!

A Leo Man at Work

Look at the person who speaks up in every Zoom meeting, who brings the wildest (and sometimes genius) ideas to pitch meetings, who goes to every happy hour. They're probably a Leo! These super-social signs are also très creative and natural leaders. While everyone talks about Leo's flair for the dramatic, people sometimes overlook their caring, generous, loyal nature. They're the center of every office party, yes, but they also have your back when you need them.

A Leo Man with Friends

Like I said, Leos are SOCIAL. These regal lions have a wide circle of friends, acquaintances, admirers, and fans. They get invited to every party and throw even better ones. Even the most distant of Leo acquaintances can bask in their glow, but if you've earned your way into a Leo's inner circle, you've got it made! They're so generous and caring, they'll throw you just as big a b-day party as they throw themselves.

A Gift for a Leo Man

Get a Leo a gift that speaks to their vanity (a ring light, new sunglasses); something thoughtful and personal (a note about how much they mean to you, a framed photo of you two together as kids); or something that they can use to tap into their creative side (oil paints, knitting needles, a new camera).

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All About Leo Men

Leo is the most sensational, expressive sign in the zodiac—it’s no surprise he’s ruled by the Sun, the biggest, brightest object in the sky and the center of the solar system. This fixed fire sign is a constant source of warmth and affection for you, like a benevolent king is loyal to his subjects. He demands to be treated like royalty but reciprocates right back. The better he feels, the better everyone else feels. Keep him happy and you’ll feel as extravagant and luxurious as he does!

This frisky, playful guy is downright catlike. He lives life on his own terms, and confidently so, following no one’s rules or timeline but his own. Your Leo lover is very assured in his convictions, and you can tell by his demeanor that he knows he’s the shit—absolutely no one can tell him otherwise. Sure, this can come off as cocky, but done right, it’s also kind of hot. He has so much vitality coursing through him and an inferno of ideas that he has to express, so it’s rare for him not to be an artist or athlete of some sort. Even on his very worst days, his vibe is warm and vibrant.

He’s a fixed sign, which means he takes commitment very seriously.

This lion is ruled by his heart, first and foremost. He goes for what he wants as soon as he wants it because he is convinced he can conquer any challenge. He doesn’t try to grab everyone’s attention 24/7, but he always does anyway. He takes care of his appearance, is a master at the art of conversation, and has a wild sense of humor—what’s not to love? Although he likes the steady affection from all his thirsty followers, he’s a fixed sign, which means he takes commitment very seriously. Despite showboating himself sometimes, he genuinely has a lot to offer and wants someone like him—loyal and undeniably original. He can sniff out dishonesty from a mile away, and nothing turns him off more than phoniness from others.

In the workplace, Leos are drawn to leadership roles. Even when not in charge, his coworkers and even his bosses will turn to Leos for answers, thanks to his trustworthiness and reliability. It’s not surprising if a Leo takes up a career in law or politics (like a certain famous Leo, Barack Obama). He is typically super opinionated and has a special ability to command a room.

Men born under the Leo constellation are hopeless romantics, through and through. He’s the guy who wants to be part of an Instagram couple, and he loves PDA. He’ll wine and dine you, buy you flowers, and take cute pics together, never shy to show off how great you are together. Natural performer that he is, everything becomes a show in your relationship. Even when you’re spending one-on-one time with him, the way he holds your hand and looks in your eyes before kissing you could win an Oscar!

There’s also a part of him that lives for the drama.

Which is why if you want to date someone low-key, a Leo is probs not for you. He has one hell of a fragile ego and needs constant doting and affection to make things work. Again, you’ll be rewarded with epically romantic gestures on his end, but if you never care for that kind of stuff anyway, it might not be worth the effort of dealing with his moods and need for validation. Also, he can be a bit vain—his haircare routine might take longer than yours, and he has a very specific sense of style. You’ll be rewarded by ~enjoying the sights~ afterward (Leos look gooooood), but if you’re impatient or no-nonsense, a Leo might not be the one for you.

If you two live together, he’ll likely be extremely territorial over his space and possessions. This lion loves to sprawl out on the couch and enjoys the comfort of his own environment. Don’t be surprised if you find him waiting around the house for you to peel his grapes and pop ’em in his mouth (okay, I exaggerate, but you get my point…). Leos’ homes tend to be cozy, luxurious, and one of a kind…and their loungewear collection is on point. Leos are incredibly loyal and generous to their friends and fam, so don’t be surprised if your Leo lets his little brother or college roommate crash for a week or two or three when they’re down on their luck or just taking a prolonged vacay.

Like the Sun, everything revolves around Leo, and you have to stay in his orbit too! Getting him to see things from your perspective is work, and it can feel like it’s his way or the highway, with his being a stubborn fixed sign and all. Call him out for his flaws and you’ll be met with defensiveness and excuses as to why he didn’t do anything wrong. There’s also a part of him that is a shit stirrer and lives for the drama, so if that sounds like a nightmare to you, approach this relationship carefully, or you might find yourself caught in some Love Island–level drama.

But if you’re smitten with a Leo, play along with his games, even if you roll your eyes while doing so, and let him feel like a royal. When you’re together, he knows that you know he’s not actually center of the universe but is too proud to ever admit it. Humoring him goes a long way, whether it’s with his need to be top priority or by going along with his cheesy, romantic ways of acting around you. He has an inflated ego, yes, but he also has the biggest heart. He’s huge on trust and commitment and love, and if you can secure a relationship with him, he’ll shower you with more affection than you know what to do with.

Follow Jake on Instagram.

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Jake Register (better known by his Instagram handle, @jakesastrology) is a Libra and the author of Cosmopolitan’s weekly Sexoscopes. He lives in southeastern North Carolina and loves making astrology content. Follow his IG or Twitter @jakesastrology, and to book a reading, go to Jakesastrology.as.me.

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