Thursday, 31st July 2025

Welcome to Thursday, 31st July! Explore 51 historical events, birthdays, deaths, and milestones that shaped this day. From remarkable moments in local and world history to the people who left their mark — find out what makes today special. Tonight's moon is in its waning gibbous phase, and the zodiac sign of the day is Leo. If you're curious about the history of a day — this page brings together everything worth knowing about this Thursday, 31st July.

On Thursday, 31st July 2025, the sky over most locations is expected to be partly cloudy with moderate temperatures typical of summer weather across the Northern Hemisphere. The moon is in its waning gibbous phase, appearing as a nearly full orb gradually diminishing in the night sky. Those born on this date fall under the Leo zodiac sign, characterised by traits associated with confidence and leadership.

Two significant events in British and European history occurred on this date in different years. In 2007, Operation Banner, the British Armed Forces’ military operation in Northern Ireland, concluded after 38 years with a ceasefire, marking the end of an extensive military presence that had become increasingly defined by stalemate rather than active conflict. Several decades earlier, in 1972, the end of Operation Motorman—which had dismantled the self-declared autonomous area of Free Derry—was immediately followed by a coordinated attack, with three car bombs exploding in the village of Claudy, reflecting the complex tensions that persisted throughout the period.

Fidel Castro, the Cuban revolutionary leader, marked a significant moment in his political career on this date in 2006 when he provisionally transferred presidential duties to his brother Raúl following intestinal surgery. Castro’s 47-year tenure as Cuba’s leader had defined Cold War politics and Caribbean geopolitics for generations.

DayAtlas provides comprehensive information about weather conditions, historical events, notable births and deaths for any specified date and location, making it a resource for those researching particular moments in time.

Explore everything about today 16th April.

31st July in the Stars – Star Sign Pisces

Today, the zodiac sign Pisces celebrates its birthday.

Personality Profile

Personality Those born on July 31st embody classic Leo pride with an extra dose of Mars-driven courage. They're passionate, bold, and naturally driven to transform their visions into reality. The Master Number 11 grants them spiritual depth that transcends surface ambition.

Strengths & Weaknesses Their greatest strength lies in blending charisma with decisive action—they inspire others and make bold moves. However, their ambition and impatience can trigger impulsive choices, and their need for recognition can occasionally feel overwhelming.

Love In relationships, these individuals are passionate and generous, yet seek partners who honor their intense energy. They thrive on admiration and mental stimulation, though learning to listen emotionally and resist dominance strengthens bonds.

Caree & Finance In professional settings, they flourish in leadership roles where they can drive projects and energize teams. Their Mars influence makes them excellent entrepreneurs, though financial discipline prevents impulsive investment mistakes.

Health These natives enjoy strong physical stamina but must channel their intense energy wisely. Regular exercise and mindfulness practices keep them emotionally balanced and vitally engaged.

That night, the moon was in its waning gibbous phase.

Chinese year of the Snake (Wood).

Fun Facts About 31st July

Name Days in Your Language: Ignacio, Inigo, Reed, Reid

Someone born on this day would be just 259 days old today — roughly 6,234 hours, 374,083 minutes, or 22,444,998 seconds spent on Earth so far.

It's the 212. day of the year.

There are 153 days still to come.

We’re currently in Week 31 — the year marches on.

Famous Birthdays on 31st July

  • Calvin Ramsay, Scottish footballer (2003)
  • João Gomes, Brazilian singer (2002)
  • Will Penisini, Australian-Tongan rugby league player (2002)
  • Kim Sae-ron, South Korean actress (died 2025) (2000)
  • Rico Rodriguez, American actor (1998)
  • Bobbi Althoff, American podcaster and influencer (1997)
  • Lil Uzi Vert, American hip hop artist (1995)
  • Linus Ullmark, Swedish professional hockey player (1993)
  • José Fernández, Cuban-American baseball player (died 2016) (1992)
  • Ryan Johansen, Canadian ice hockey player (1992)

Lives Remembered on 31st July

  • Paul Bucha, United States Army Medal of Honor recipient (born 1943) (2024)
  • Ismail Haniyeh, Palestinian politician, political leader of Hamas (born 1962/1963) (2024)
  • Angus Cloud, American actor (born 1998) (2023)
  • Fidel V. Ramos, 12th President of the Philippines (born 1928) (2022)
  • Bill Russell, NBA Hall of Fame player and coach (born 1934) (2022)

Celebrations & Special Days Worldwide on 31st July

  • Christian feast day: Abanoub
  • Christian feast day: Germanus of Auxerre
  • Christian feast day: Ignatius of Loyola
  • Christian feast day: Neot
  • Christian feast day: July 31 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
  • Earliest day on which the Feast of Kamál (Perfection) can fall, while August 1 is the latest; observed on the first day of the eighth month of the Baháʼí calendar. (Baháʼí Faith)
  • End of the Trinity term (sitting of the High Court of Justice of England)
  • Lā Hae Hawaiʻi Day (Hawaii, United States), and its related observance: Sovereignty Restoration Day (Hawaiian sovereignty movement)
  • Martyrdom Day of Shahid Udham Singh (Haryana and Punjab, India)
  • Treasury Day (Poland)
  • Warriors' Day (Malaysia)

What Happened on 31st July?

  • Gas explosions in the southern Taiwanese city of Kaohsiung kill at least 20 people and injure more than 270. (2014)
  • Michael Phelps breaks the record set in 1964 by Larisa Latynina for the most medals won at the Olympics. (2012)
  • East Coast Jets Flight 81 crashes near Owatonna Degner Regional Airport in Owatonna, Minnesota, killing all eight people on board. (2008)
  • Operation Banner, the presence of the British Army in Northern Ireland, and the longest-running British Army operation ever, comes to an end. (2007)
  • Fidel Castro hands over power to his brother, Raúl. (2006)
  • Discovery Program: Lunar Prospector: NASA intentionally crashes the spacecraft into the Moon, thus ending its mission to detect frozen water on the Moon's surface. (1999)
  • FedEx Express Flight 14 crashes at Newark International Airport, injuring five. (1997)
  • The nation of Georgia joins the United Nations. (1992)
  • Thai Airways International Flight 311 crashes into a mountain north of Kathmandu, Nepal killing all 113 people on board. (1992)
  • China General Aviation Flight 7552 crashes during takeoff from Nanjing Dajiaochang Airport, killing 108. (1992)