Which Harry Potter character shares J.K. Rowling’s birthday?

Harry Potter shares J.K. Rowling’s birthday: 31 July.

In the novels, Harry was born on 31 July 1980. Rowling was born on 31 July 1965, so the author and her central character share the same day and month but not the same year. Harry’s birthday is established in the story when he receives birthday greetings and gifts, including during the opening of the series.

The shared date is a biographical detail rather than evidence that Harry is a direct fictional version of Rowling. Rowling drew on many sources for the character, including childhood experiences, observations, and literary traditions about orphaned heroes. Harry’s parents, upbringing, and magical abilities belong to the fictional narrative.

Harry’s birthday also helps anchor the chronology of the series. He begins Hogwarts at age eleven and reaches adulthood during the events surrounding the final book, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows.