Leo Compatibility: How the Fire Sign Pairs With Each Zodiac
From fellow fire signs like Sagittarius to water signs like Scorpio and Pisces, here are the best and worst zodiac matches for Leo, according to astrologers
To understand a Leo, look no further than their celestial mascot: the lion.
Like the emblematic king of the jungle, Leos are natural-born leaders who display self-assurance and poise. Both glamorous and strong, they walk through life with an air of regality.
“They tend to have an innate confidence and radiance that gives them the ability to easily assert themselves and stand out from the crowd,” says Kyle Thomas, PEOPLE’s resident celebrity astrologer.
Indeed, “radiance” is a perfect description for those born under this fire sign. Leos are ruled by the sun, explains author and astrologer Bethany Nicole, so they give off a warm, vivacious aura. “They are born to shine,” she says, adding that they often crave being the center of attention. However, that’s not to say they’re selfish. On the contrary, “they often share that light and passion for life with their partner,” she tells PEOPLE.
Related: Your Zodiac Sign, Explained: What It Means for Your Personality and Who You're Compatible With
When it comes to love, Leos go all in. “Romantic, intense and brave, this fire sign is the stuff romance novels are made of,” Nicole says. “They love nothing more than big grand gestures and showering their partner with love and romance.”
As we head into Leo season — which runs from July 22 to August 22 in 2024 — here’s everything to know about the fire sign’s compatibility with the other zodiac signs.
What are the key traits of Leo?
Every zodiac sign has a planetary ruler, which provides a lot of insight into key personality traits.
Astrologically speaking, the sun represents energy, vitality, power and creativity. It also symbolizes our ego, conscious mind and sense of self — thus, your sun sign denotes your core identity and motivations. So Leo being ruled by the sun explains a lot.
Related: What Is Your Rising Sign? The 3 Details You Need to Know to Learn Yours
Leos are well-known for their confident, driven attitude, which can sometimes border on self-importance or arrogance. “They often like to be recognized for everything they bring to the world,” says Thomas.
For Leos, being the center of attention is no problem — in fact, they tend to crave the spotlight.
“Many Leos can be found in front of the camera or up on the stage,” says Nicole. But that’s not just due to their attention-seeking nature: As a fire sign, Leos are “very creative.” This artistic side combined with passion, charisma and an extroverted self-assuredness means they’re practically born to be famous.
Unlike the other two fire signs, though, Leos have no problem with commitment. As a fixed sign — being at the midpoint of the season — they’re stable, dependable and steadfast.
“They are known for their loyalty,” Nicole tells PEOPLE. “Once they find a partner they are likely to stick by their side come what may.”
What signs are most compatible with Leo?
Leos are typically most compatible with fellow fire signs Aries and Sagittarius, along with air signs Gemini, Libra and Aquarius.
Fire and air are considered masculine or active elements, so these signs tend to be more extroverted and interested in “the external world and social interaction,” says Thomas.
Leos have a lust for life, so naturally, they crave a partner with a similarly outgoing demeanor. “When fire signs are together, they feed one another’s passion, courage and sense of adventure," he adds.
Air signs, on the other hand, have a different kind of passion, one of intellectual curiosity. They’re happy to fan the flames of a fire sign, allowing them to burn brighter.
Aries
Every zodiac sign has what’s known as a celestial soulmate, and for Leo, that’s Aries.
“They are both fiery and passionate but in slightly different ways,” says Nicole. Aries is known for being bold and domineering, while Leos have a more playful sense of leadership, so they’ll be able to understand each other without butting heads.
In fact, rather than fighting over who gets to be in charge, these two will actually “appreciate that they can trade off taking the lead,” says Thomas. Both signs have an intense passion, and their combined energy is dynamic and electric.
“As a pair, they tend to be social, gregarious, and charming,” Nicole says. “They share a deep understanding of each other, are independent, and are often the definition of a power couple.”
Paul Rudd, an Aries, and his Leo wife, Julie Yaeger, prove this long-lasting zodiac connection. The pair have been married for over 20 years and share two children together.
Sagittarius
The archer is another fire sign that Leo pairs well with.
Easily the most free-spirited of the fire signs, Sagittarius is spontaneous, honest and curious. They have a sunny demeanor and a playful energy, which plays well with the lively, radiant Leo.
“This is one of the most adventurous, optimistic and carefree unions in the zodiac,” says Thomas. “Together, they can inspire one another to learn and explore more.”
Sagittarius Kaley Cuoco and her Leo boyfriend Tom Pelphrey are the perfect example of this fun, playful pairing. After meeting and falling in love in 2022, the couple welcomed a baby girl together in 2023.
Gemini
As two of the most outgoing signs in the zodiac, it’s no surprise that Leo and Gemini get along so well.
This pairing is “social, gregarious, flirtatious and interesting,” says Nicole. “They can often create a fun, silly and dynamic partnership.”
These two also share a lot of the same values and interests, so they understand each other.
“They both like art and adventure and tend to be up for anything,” she tells PEOPLE. Both signs also have a similar desire to bask in the spotlight. While that can sometimes lead to conflict, it can also create a “real power couple.”
According to Thomas, their compatibility isn’t limited to romance, either. “Not only do they make fantastic partners, but [they] are wonderful friends,” he says.
Just look at Leo Lisa Kudrow. The actress has maintained a decades-long friendship with former Friends costar, and Gemini, Courteney Cox.
Libra
Like Gemini, Libra is another highly social air sign that meshes well with Leo.
As the zodiac sign associated with partnerships, Libra is extremely loyal and romantic, Nicole explains, making them perfect for Leo. Together, they make a “passionate, creative and carefree duo,” she says.
They also share a deeply held belief in truth and justice. Symbolized by the scales, “Libra has an innate desire for fairness,” which Leos will be drawn to.
Although Libra is highly passionate, they crave harmony above all. Their “calm and peacemaking demeanor can also soothe Leo's more fiery and over-the-top attributes,” Nicole says.
For proof, look no further than Matt Damon — two of the actor's most important relationships are with Leos. He and his best friend, Ben Affleck, have been close since childhood.
The Libra star also married a Leo: Damon and his wife, Luciana Barroso, tied the knot in 2005 and are raising four daughters together.
Leo
Most zodiac signs can find a love match in their same sign and Leo is no exception.
“This pairing can be like two rulers living the life of a celebrity power couple,” says Thomas.
“Power couple dynamics are at play for sure,” Nicole agrees. Two lions together can create a larger-than-life love story. Easily one of the most romantic matches in the zodiac, they will “shower each other with attention, devotion and passion.”
However, a Leo-Leo pair can also be “too much of a good thing,” she says, explaining that their passionate romance can “crash and burn” if they’re not careful.
“The key is to make sure that they’re always working in tandem, rather than outshining the other and competing,” says Thomas.
Once again, take Affleck: His best friend might be a Libra, but he’s found romance with a fellow lion — and his relationship with Jennifer Lopez certainly exemplifies a Leo-Leo match.
The couple first met in 2002 when they dated, got engaged and ultimately broke up during their whirlwind two-year courtship. Twenty years later, they rekindled that initial spark, tying the knot in 2022.
What signs are least compatible with Leo?
In general, Leos are least compatible with water signs (Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces) and earth signs (Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn).
Earth signs “tend to value consistency [and] practicality,” says Thomas. They typically prefer to take their time and focus on laying the foundation rather than diving in headfirst. As a result, “fire signs often feel smothered.”
Similarly, they can feel “drowned and dampened” by water signs. Leos are full of sparkling passion and intensity, whereas water signs are known for being deeply emotional and introverted.
Capricorn
Leos are warm, affectionate and social beings who crave attention. Capricorns, on the other hand, are known for being cool and detached, so it’s no surprise that these two can struggle in a relationship.
“Capricorn can feel rigid or cold to the passionate and emotional Leo,” says Nicole. “They value very different things in life and have very different ways of expressing emotion.” In fact, even trying to find common ground can be taxing for these two.
One thing they do have in common is their drive. “Both signs tend to be ambitious and like taking the lead,” says Thomas.
However, that doesn’t necessarily bode well for compatibility. “They will certainly admire one another,” he explains, but ultimately, they’ll end up clashing.
Scorpio
Initially, Leos can be highly intrigued by Scorpios, but ultimately, these two don’t work well together.
“This connection can feel like a magnetic pull, [but] it’s usually more of a fatal attraction,” says Thomas. There’s a mutual attraction between these two, he explains, but this pairing typically ends up “with both scorned.”
Both are loyal, romantic and ambitious, but they differ in almost everything else, Nicole agrees. Leos are outgoing and sunny, while Scorpios are “dark and transformative” and tend to “prefer solitude.” In the end, these two typically bring out the worst in each other.
Pisces
Pisces is another emotional water sign that doesn’t always bode well for Leo.
Friendship-wise, these two can get along really well, Nicole says. They can connect “over creativity and the finer things in life such as art, poetry and the romantic dream spaces.” However, they differ too much in how they process their feelings.
Pisceans tend to avoid conflict at all costs. Leos, however, need to "clear the air and release emotion,” she explains. “There’s just no solid ground for this partnership to stand on.”
Virgo
Best known for being perfectionists, Virgos typically don’t make the best partners for a Leo.
Leos want to be admired and praised, but that type of blanket affection doesn’t come naturally for Virgo. Instead, Virgos are meticulous and somewhat picky. What they see as constructive and helpful pieces of advice can easily hurt a Leo's pride.
“You often see Leo feeling diminished or overly criticized,” says Nicole. Virgo, meanwhile, will be left feeling “unappreciated and overwhelmed.”
What is Leo’s compatibility with other signs?
Aquarius
“Leos are attracted to partners who are eccentric, unique and freedom loving,” says Thomas, and Aquarius certainly fits the bill.
However, this match is often hit-or-miss. “Leo is deeply passionate and emotional,” Nicole says, whereas Aquarius can sometimes appear aloof and cerebral. “When it comes to romance, they may be on completely different wavelengths.”
On the other hand, they can create an interesting, “enriching” union, Thomas says. “They open one another’s minds, yet also value commitment and building a [strong] connection.”
Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher prove that a Leo-Aquarius pairing can go all the way. The couple first met as teenagers on the set of That ‘70s Show. Nearly 15 years later, they started dating. They’ve since wed and welcomed two children.
Cancer
Water and fire typically don’t mix well, but a Leo-Cancer pairing may be the exception.
Leo is ruled by the sun, while Cancer is ruled by the moon. Leos are lively and outgoing, while Cancers are emotional and introverted.
Still, “if these two can find balance within opposition they are truly a romantic pair,” says Nicole. “Leo’s passionate nature [goes well with] Cancer’s care and concern.”
Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Hemsworth are two Leos who have found lasting love with Cancers. Lawrence and her husband, Cooke Maroney, welcomed their first child in 2022. Hemsworth, on the other hand, has been married to wife Elsa Pataky since 2010, and they share three children together.
Taurus
Stable and grounded Taurus can be a “very rewarding” match for Leo, says Thomas. They’re both “romantic and affectionate” and can create a strong relationship “as long as they’re careful to work as a team."
Both are fixed signs, meaning they crave stability but can also dig their heels in. “When two very stubborn and strong-willed signs get together, stalemates tend to ensue,” Nicole explains.
They can easily develop a passionate romance, but if “no one is willing to compromise, forward movement is rarely accomplished.”
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