What is Harry Potter’s birthday in J.K. Rowling’s fictional universe?
Answer
31 July 1980
Harry Potter’s birthday in J.K. Rowling’s fictional universe is 31 July 1980.
Harry’s birth date is given in the character information surrounding the novels and is central to the prophecy involving him and Lord Voldemort. He is born to James and Lily Potter and grows up with the Dursley family after his parents are killed.
The date is notable because it is also J.K. Rowling’s real birthday, 31 July. Rowling used the shared date as a memorable link between creator and character, although Harry’s fictional birth year is 1980 rather than Rowling’s 1965.
Harry’s age helps establish the chronology of the books. He begins Hogwarts in 1991, shortly after turning eleven, and the series follows his school years through the events of the Second Wizarding War. This timeline is distinct from the actors’ ages in the film adaptations.