When Is the Crypto Altcoin Season: Key Indicators and Market Signals

When is the crypto altcoin season? This is a question on the minds of many crypto investors, especially as market dynamics shift between Bitcoin and alternative cryptocurrencies. Understanding the timing and signals of an altcoin season can help you make more informed decisions and spot new opportunities in the ever-changing crypto landscape.

Understanding the Altcoin Season Index and Its Role

The Altcoin Season Index is a widely used metric that tracks whether altcoins are outperforming Bitcoin over a 90-day period. According to CoinMarketCap, when 75% of the top 100 cryptocurrencies (excluding stablecoins and wrapped tokens) outperform Bitcoin, the market is officially in an altcoin season. As of November 2025, the index stands at 30–31, indicating Bitcoin dominance and a lack of broad altcoin outperformance.
Source: CoinMarketCap, November 2025

This index acts as a market thermometer. Scores near 100 suggest strong altcoin momentum, while lower numbers, like the current reading, reflect Bitcoin's leading position. Many traders use this index to guide their portfolio strategies and identify potential entry points for altcoins.

Current Market Trends: Bitcoin Dominance and Early Signals

Recent data shows Bitcoin dominance has slipped below key levels after an eight-week streak of growth, printing its first red weekly candle in two months. As of early November 2025, Bitcoin's market share dropped from 65% in June to around 59.77%.
Source: TradingView, CoinMarketCap, November 2025

Historically, a decline in Bitcoin dominance often precedes altcoin rallies. Analysts note that this shift could mark the beginning of a rotation phase, where capital moves from Bitcoin into altcoins. However, the current Altcoin Season Index suggests that most altcoins are still underperforming Bitcoin, and a full-fledged altcoin season has not yet arrived.

Other factors influencing this trend include:

• Development activity and adoption of Layer 1 and Layer 2 blockchains (e.g., Ethereum, Solana, Avalanche)
• Upcoming altcoin-specific events, such as ecosystem upgrades and token launches
• Renewed liquidity inflows, with the US Federal Reserve expected to end quantitative tightening in December 2025
• Increased trading volumes in Asian markets, especially South Korea and Japan

These developments suggest that while Bitcoin remains central, the groundwork for a potential altcoin season is being laid.

What Triggers an Altcoin Season and How to Monitor It

Altcoin seasons typically occur when market confidence expands beyond Bitcoin, often driven by:

• Technological advancements in alternative cryptocurrencies
• Institutional interest and new capital entering the market
• Bitcoin price stability, encouraging investors to seek higher returns elsewhere

The Altcoin Season Index is updated regularly, usually daily, to reflect the latest 90-day performance data. A consistent rise above 50 may signal the early stages of an altcoin season, while a reading of 75 or higher confirms it.

Investors are advised to:

• Monitor the Altcoin Season Index and Bitcoin dominance charts
• Research fundamentally strong altcoin projects during low-index periods
• Maintain a diversified portfolio, balancing Bitcoin and selected altcoins
• Watch for macroeconomic events, such as changes in US monetary policy, that can impact liquidity and market sentiment

Common Misconceptions and Practical Tips

It's important to note that selective altcoin rallies do not necessarily mean an altcoin season has begun. According to analysts, a true altcoin season requires a broad market rally, with the total altcoin market cap (excluding stablecoins) reaching new all-time highs.

Practical tips for navigating these market cycles include:

• Use the Altcoin Season Index as one of several tools, not the sole basis for decisions
• Stay patient and avoid impulsive moves based on single data points
• Set alerts for key index thresholds to stay ahead of potential shifts
• Leverage Bitget exchange for secure trading and Bitget Wallet for managing your digital assets

Recent Developments and What to Watch Next

As of November 2025, market psychology is shifting. Analysts highlight that altcoin seasons often begin when sentiment is at its lowest and investors are skeptical. Recent weekend rallies in altcoins and increased retail participation suggest growing optimism.

Additionally, the anticipated end of US quantitative tightening and the reopening of the US government could inject new liquidity into the market, potentially supporting a broader altcoin rally. However, some experts caution that a sustained altcoin season may still be some time away, emphasizing the need for careful monitoring and data-driven decisions.

Further Exploration and Staying Informed

The question "when is the crypto altcoin season" does not have a fixed answer, as market conditions are influenced by a range of technical, psychological, and macroeconomic factors. By tracking the Altcoin Season Index, Bitcoin dominance, and global liquidity trends, you can better position yourself for upcoming opportunities.

For the latest updates on crypto market cycles, altcoin trends, and actionable insights, explore more educational resources and trading tools on Bitget. Stay proactive, diversify wisely, and use reliable data to guide your crypto journey.