Cancer Star Sign Dates: Cancer Zodiac Birthdates & Traits

Cancer dates: June 21 – July 22. If your birthday falls in this window, you're a Cancer, the fourth sign of the zodiac. Cancer season begins on the summer solstice, the longest day of the year.

Updated October 2026

Cancer Zodiac Dates at a Glance

• Dates: June 21 – July 22
• Months: June and July
• Element: Water
• Ruling body: The Moon
• Symbol: The Crab
• Birthstones: Pearl and moonstone (June) and ruby (July)
• Opposite sign: Capricorn

Cancer Birthdates: What Month Is Cancer?

Cancer covers two months. Cancer season starts around June 21, on the summer solstice, and ends around July 22. A June Cancer has a birthday in the last ten days of June, and a July Cancer has a birthday in the first three weeks of July.

Born on June 20, 21, or July 22, 23? You Might Be on a Cusp

The Sun doesn't move into a new sign at the same minute every year, so the start and end of Cancer season can shift by about a day. If your birthday is right at the edge, you may be on a cusp:

• Gemini-Cancer cusp (about June 17–23): Gemini's curiosity and wit meet Cancer's warmth and intuition.
• Cancer-Leo cusp (about July 19–25): Cancer's loyalty meets Leo's confidence and flair.

To know your exact sign, check the year and time you were born, since the Sun's entry into Cancer varies slightly from year to year.

Cancer Personality Traits

Cancers are caring, intuitive, and deeply loyal. As a water sign ruled by the Moon, they lead with emotion and pick up on how the people around them feel. Like the crab, they can seem guarded at first, but they're fiercely protective of the people they love.

Cancer Strengths

• Nurturing: Cancers take care of the people in their lives.
• Loyal: once you're in their circle, they're devoted.
• Intuitive: they read moods and feelings easily.
• Empathetic: they make excellent friends and listeners.
• Sentimental: they treasure memories, traditions, and keepsakes.

Cancer Weaknesses

• Moody: like the Moon, their feelings can shift quickly.
• Sensitive: they can take criticism to heart.
• Guarded: they may retreat into their shell when hurt.
• Clingy: their loyalty can turn into holding on too tightly.

Cancers in Relationships

Cancers want emotional security and a sense of home. They show love by taking care of people, and they value partners and friends who make them feel safe.

Cancer Birthstones

June Cancer: Pearl and Moonstone

June has more than one birthstone. Pearl is the classic choice, and moonstone, with its soft glow, is a fitting stone for a sign ruled by the Moon. Explore June birthstone jewelry.

July Cancer: Ruby

Ruby, the July birthstone, is a deep red stone long associated with passion and protection. Explore July birthstone jewelry.

Gift Ideas for a Cancer Birthday

Cancers love sentimental gifts they'll keep for years. Birthstone jewelry, especially pearls, is a natural fit for this sign.

For a June Cancer: Pearl

Japanese Biwa Pearl Necklace in 14K Gold: as seen in StyleBlueprint, a statement pearl necklace for a milestone birthday.

Keshi Pearl Drop Earrings in Sterling Silver: lustrous, organic-shaped pearls for everyday wear.

Mother of Pearl Beaded Candy Necklace: soft shimmer with a pop of colorful silk.

For a Crab Lover: Coastal Pearl Earrings

Cowrie Shell & Pearl Dangle Earrings: a beachy nod to the Crab, Cancer's seaside symbol.

For a Moon Child: Moonstone

Large Oval Rainbow Moonstone Ring in Sterling Silver: a glowing June birthstone for the sign ruled by the Moon.

For a July Cancer: Ruby

Ruby Diamond Ring: a pre-owned James Allen ruby and diamond ring in solid 14K gold.

Browse more birthstone jewelry or our colorful candy necklaces.

Famous Cancers

Well-known Cancers include Tom Hanks, Selena Gomez, and Meryl Streep, each known for the warmth and emotional depth the sign is famous for.

Cancer Zodiac Dates FAQ

What are the Cancer star sign dates?

Cancer dates run from June 21 to July 22. The exact start and end can shift by about a day depending on the year.

What months are Cancer birthdates?

Cancer birthdates fall in June and July, from the summer solstice around June 21 through July 22.

Is June 20 a Gemini or a Cancer?

Most years, June 20 is Gemini. Some years the summer solstice, and Cancer season, begins on June 20, so people born near the cusp should check their birth year and time.

Is July 23 a Cancer or a Leo?

Most years, July 23 is Leo. Cancer typically ends on July 22.

What is the Cancer birthstone?

Cancers born in June have pearl and moonstone. Cancers born in July have ruby.

What element is Cancer?

Cancer is a water sign, along with Scorpio and Pisces.

What is a good gift for a Cancer?

Sentimental gifts suit Cancers best, like birthstone jewelry: pearl or moonstone for June birthdays, or ruby for July birthdays.