Every few months, the same question makes the rounds in crypto circles: is it altcoin season yet? This time, there might just be reason to pay attention. The Altcoin Season Index recently hit 60—its highest point in 2025—before cooling off and rebounding to 51. That’s not an official confirmation, but it’s a sign momentum may be shifting.
What Is Altcoin Season, Anyway?
In simple terms, altcoin season is when altcoins—cryptocurrencies other than Bitcoin and excluding popular stablecoins—outperform BTC over a set period. By popular definition, if 75% of the top 50 non-stablecoin assets have better 90-day returns than Bitcoin, the market is in altcoin season.
Right now, we’re not quite there. But the recent spike in the index shows more coins are starting to outperform Bitcoin, signaling that traders may be rotating capital from BTC into assets like Ethereum, Solana, and other top altcoins.
Why the Momentum Matters
Several factors are fueling the shift:
- Bitcoin consolidation – After strong rallies earlier in the year, BTC’s price action has been steady, leaving traders searching for higher returns elsewhere.
- ETH and institutional flows – Ethereum ETFs, clearer regulations, and renewed staking interest are boosting ETH’s performance and pulling other altcoins (Like the recently strongly-performing PENGU and UNI) along with it.
- Sector-specific rallies – Narratives like AI tokens, DeFi 2.0, and RWAs (real-world assets) are generating short-term breakouts.
The combination of stable Bitcoin dominance and rising altcoin performance has historically been a precursor to altcoin market runs.
Caution: It’s Not Full Season (Yet)
Despite the positive signs, the market isn’t signaling a full breakout. The Altcoin Season Index still hasn’t crossed the 75 threshold, and market sentiment can shift quickly. The current moves may represent an early-stage rotation rather than a broad rally.
For traders, this means managing risk carefully. Diversifying into strong projects with fundamentals—rather than chasing hype—remains key.
Time for Traders to Adjust Their Strategy?
Altcoin season indicators are flashing green, but not all-in. If Bitcoin continues consolidating and Ethereum strength persists, the index could climb higher, bringing more altcoins into focus.
For now, it’s a moment to watch closely. Even without an “official” altcoin season, selective opportunities are emerging for those ready to adjust their strategies.
