In November 2024 alone, the crypto market cap surged by $360 billion, with altcoins driving 40% of that explosive growth—a clear hint that altcoin season could be just around the corner. Known for turning small investments into massive gains, altcoin season occurs when alternative crypto assets outperform Bitcoin in both price growth and trading volume.
But how can you tell when the altseason is really here? A key tool for spotting these shifts is the Altcoin Season Index, which tracks how altcoins perform against Bitcoin—making it easier to catch the wave before it peaks.
Key Takeaways
- Altcoin Season Index readings above 75% confirm an altseason, signaling a market shift toward altcoins.
- Historical altcoin seasons (2017-2018, 2020-2021) show cycles of significant gains, especially in trending sectors like meme coins and NFTs.
- Strategies for altseason include monitoring trading volumes, diversifying investments, and setting clear entry/exit points.
Understanding Altcoin Season
Altcoin season, or "altseason," is a period where cryptocurrencies other than Bitcoin (e.g., Ethereum, Solana, meme coins) surge in price and market dominance. Key trends include:
- Rapid Price Appreciation: Altcoins often outperform Bitcoin, with gains exceeding 100% in weeks.
- Increased Trading Volume: Higher liquidity and investor interest drive altcoin activity.
- Shift in Market Sentiment: Investors chase higher returns, moving capital from Bitcoin to altcoins.
👉 Discover how to spot altcoin season early
Altcoin Season vs. Bitcoin Season
| Factor | Bitcoin Season | Altcoin Season |
|---------------------------|---------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------|
| Market Dominance | BTC dominance >50% | Altcoins gain share (e.g., ETH, SOL rise) |
| Investor Behavior | Institutional interest, stable growth | Retail speculation, high volatility |
| Typical Triggers | Macro events (ETFs, halving) | Bitcoin consolidation, meme coin trends |
Example: Bitcoin hit $93,400 in November 2024, but altcoins like Solana (SOL) and Shiba Inu (SHIB) later surged 50%+.
The Altcoin Season Index
This index measures whether altcoins collectively outperform Bitcoin over 90 days. Key metrics:
- Performance: 75%+ of top altcoins beating BTC = altseason.
- Volume: Rising altcoin trading volume signals demand.
- Dominance: Altcoin market cap share vs. Bitcoin.
Current Status (November 2024): Index at ~35%—Bitcoin still dominant, but altcoins showing strength.
Tracking Tools:
Historical Altcoin Seasons
2017-2018: ICO Boom
- Bitcoin dominance dropped from 86% to 38%.
- Ethereum (ETH) rose from $8 to $1,400+ due to ICO demand.
- Lesson: Regulatory crackdowns ended the cycle abruptly.
2020-2021: Meme Coins & NFTs
- Dogecoin (DOGE) surged 6,000% amid Elon Musk hype.
- NFT projects on Ethereum/Solana fueled altcoin rallies.
- Lesson: Community-driven coins can outperform fundamentals.
Signs of an Upcoming Altcoin Season
- Declining Bitcoin Dominance: Below 50% signals altcoin momentum.
- Volume Spikes: Rising altcoin trading activity (e.g., SOL, AVAX).
- Price Breakouts: Altcoins surpassing key resistance levels.
- Sentiment Shift: Retail and "smart money" pivoting to altcoins.
👉 Learn how to diversify your altcoin portfolio
Why 2025 Could Trigger Altseason
- Bitcoin Stabilization: Post-ATH consolidation may push investors to altcoins.
- Altcoin ETFs: Ethereum ETFs approved in 2024 could spark altcoin demand.
- U.S. Policy: Fed rate cuts and pro-crypto regulations under Trump may boost risk assets.
Prediction: Ethereum could reach $4,500–$5,000, lifting other altcoins.
Altcoin Season Strategies
1. Monitor the Altcoin Season Index
- Enter when the index crosses 75%.
2. Diversify Smartly
- Platforms: ETH, SOL, ADA.
- Meme Coins: DOGE, SHIB (high risk/reward).
- DeFi/GameFi: Tokens with real utility.
3. Track Volume & Technicals
- Use RSI, MACD to spot overbought/oversold conditions.
- Set stop-loss orders to protect gains.
FAQ
Q: When does altcoin season start?
A: Typically after Bitcoin rallies and stabilizes, but no fixed schedule.
Q: What happens to Bitcoin during altseason?
A: BTC growth slows; dominance declines as altcoins surge.
Q: How long do altseasons last?
A: Weeks to months—past seasons were brief, but future cycles may extend.
Q: Which altcoins pump first?
A: Watch Ethereum and large-cap alts; meme coins often follow.
Disclaimer: Crypto investments are volatile. Conduct your own research and consult a financial advisor.