What Are the Personality Traits of an Aquarius? A Complete Guide to the Zodiac Sign

Mar. 15, 2025

Aquarius.

If you were born underAquarius, the eleventh sign of the zodiac, you probably know your way around a big idea.

“People born under the sign of Aquarius are often innovative thinkers,” astrologerAlice Smithof Alice Smith Astrology tells PEOPLE. “Aquarians are willing to think outside of the box, and they’re not afraid of challenging the status quo.”

Though one may assume Aquarius is aWater signbecause of its name, that is incorrect; it’s actually anAir sign! It’s a common misconception, but as the final Air sign in the zodiac, Aquarius exhibits more intense Air sign traits. According to Smith, they care deeply about the big picture and are often humanitarians trying to make the world a better place.

Below, learn more about the zodiac sign Aquarius, typical personality traits and celebrity Aquarians.

What are the Aquarius dates?

Aquarius Constellation.

in 2025, Aquarius season starts on Jan. 19 and ends on Feb. 18.

What are the key personality traits of an Aquarius?

Aquarians are all about authenticity — being their realest, truest selves no matter what. This means they can be seen as anti-authoritarian, but their rebellion is more about protecting themselves and their individuality.

“They defy conventions not because of a need to be contrary, but, rather, a need to be true to themselves,” explains Smith. “Because of this resistance to status quo, they are also especially gifted at innovating new solutions to old problems, which makes them the most progressive and future-oriented out of all the zodiac signs.”

Aquarians, like their fellow Air signsGeminiandLibra, are “rational and communicative,” shares Smith; Air signs tend to be sociable and thrive in a group setting. Unlike Geminis and Libras, however, Aquarians are known for their big-picture thinking, making them natural leaders who inspire others with their drive, dedication and innovation.

“They are attentive to the far-reaching consequences of actions and see the grand scope of any plan,” says Smith. “Geminis multitask information well, Librans are attentive to interpersonal communication, but it’s the Aquarians who have the top-down, broad view on a situation.”

Because Aquarians are so future-oriented and forward-thinking, they may be drawn to jobs in the tech industry or environmental and humanitarian spheres, says Smith. She adds that sometimes Aquarians are “so concerned with the big picture” that they may have trouble with empathy on a one-on-one level and come across as being cold.

Which zodiac signs are most compatible with Aquarius?

Aquarius and Libra Compatibility.

Aquarius gets along well with its sister signs, Gemini and Libra, because they speak the same language. “They share the same rational, sociable qualities of air,” explains Smith. Aquarians also spark withSagittariusandAriesbecause the fire signs “stimulate their intellectual curiosity.” Because Aquarians are such trailblazers, they’re naturally interested in and compatible with those who share the same rebellious nature.

Aquarians also like to connect on a deeper level; they’re not huge fans of small talk. “The way to an Aquarian’s heart is through their mind. They care about big-picture questions and respect people who are willing to tackle the difficult questions,” shares Smith. “And if someone is also courageous enough to have a dissenting opinion that’s not aligned with consensus? They’ll earn an Aquarian’s respect big time for speaking up!”

According to the astrologist, when an Aquarian wants to get to know you, they want to know therealyou with all your quirks, not a surface-level friendship or romance.

Which zodiac signs are least compatible with Aquarius?

Aquarius and Taurus Compatibility.

Because Aquarius is a fixed sign, they may “clash” with their fellow fixed signsTaurus,LeoandScorpio, says Smith. A friendship or romance between these signs may lead to some friendly debate or a total stalemate.

“Fixed signs are known for their stubbornness, so Aquarians would have to learn the art of compromise with those signs,” Smith shares.

Which celebrities are Aquarians?

Harry Styles arrives for the premiere of My Policeman during the Toronto International Film Festival on September 11, 2022. ; Oprah Winfrey attends the Los Angeles Premiere of Warner Bros.' “The Color Purple” on December 06, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. ; Jennifer Aniston attends the “Murder Mystery 2” photocall on March 16, 2023 in Paris, France.Geoff Robins / AFP / Getty ; Eric Charbonneau/Getty ; Marc Piasecki/WireImage

Geoff Robins / AFP / Getty ; Eric Charbonneau/Getty ; Marc Piasecki/WireImage

With such strong self-confidence and conviction, it’s no surprise that many of your favorite celebrities are Aquarians, includingHarry Styles,Megan Thee Stallion,Alicia KeysandJennifer Aniston.

Smith also mentions former President Abraham Lincoln as a great example of the forward-thinking leadership of an Aquarius. “Abraham Lincoln and Oprah Winfrey are examples of people who embody the spirit of Aquarian the revolutionary,” says Smith. “They both exhibited far-reaching vision, strong humanitarian spirit and also the trademark Aquarian defiance of social convention.”

What should Aquarius signs be prepared for in 2025?

2025will be a bright year for Aquarius! According to celebrity astrologerKyle Thomas, this year will bring the changes that you’ve been looking for in your life.

“You’re going to experience radical transformations, rebirths and intense moments in all areas of your life for the next twenty years,” he explained. “If you choose to evolve with positive intentions, you can drastically improve your path and avoid negative patterns.”

The first half of the year will focus on “matters close to your heart” while the second half with “place an emphasis on productivity,”

Thomas adds that this year may bring “a newfound importance to learn, embrace intellectual concerns and travel” and those opportunities “may attract wondrous memories and [allow you to] meet lovely people.”

source: people.com