Altcoin season in 2026? Signs to watch out for

Each strong growth cycle of the crypto market since 2017 has been associated with the explosion of altcoin season, a time when the prices of altcoins grow significantly.

Although the year 2025 is nearing its end, the altcoin season has not yet appeared as expected, despite the great interest and anticipation from the community. Over the past week, discussions about “altseason” on social media have surged, yet most traders and analysts remain cautious about the prospects of the altcoin season.

With only one month left until the end of 2025, the likelihood of an altcoin season occurring is still considered low.

Although it does not take place this year, some experts believe that 2026 could mark the beginning of a true altcoin season.

Before discussing the prospects for the coming year, let's review the reasons why the altcoin season did not occur in 2025. According to many analyses, this failure mainly stems from unfavorable timing.

The peak of expectations for the altcoin season occurred in August, when Bitcoin's dominance ratio sharply declined in the previous weeks, creating momentum for predictions about the rise of altcoins. However, the market quickly turned negative due to the risk of trade war being reignited in August, leading to a large-scale liquidity withdrawal and a wave of sell-offs that dampened investment sentiment for altcoins.

Bitcoin Dominance | Source: TradingViewHowever, in Q3, some altcoins still recorded significant demand, somewhat reinforcing confidence in the potential emergence of an altcoin season.

Why is the altcoin season gaining attention again?

As mentioned, discussions about altseason have surged in the past week, indicating that investors are hoping for a new growth phase of altcoin.

Altcoin/Bitcoin Price Chart | Source: TradingViewThe altcoin to Bitcoin exchange rate chart is the basis for these expectations. Accordingly, the price of altcoin is currently approaching the lowest support zone in many years. History shows that strong growth phases of altcoins often begin from this price range, increasing the likelihood that a similar scenario will repeat.

The chart also indicates a gradually increasing resistance level – where previous altcoin seasons have ended. The current altcoin price is still far from this level, which means that altcoins are becoming more attractive to investors, especially after having just gone through a deep price correction.

The altcoin season index also shows that the market is currently still prioritizing Bitcoin; however, this could be the ideal time to accumulate altcoins, especially when the market is showing signs of recovery.

Altcoin Season Index | Source: CoinglassAlthough current data confirms that the altcoin season has not truly begun, it also shows great potential as the crypto market is gradually recovering.

Important indicators to watch for altcoin season

The altcoin season index recorded at 35 at the time of observation, reflecting the neutral state of the crypto market. This index will confirm that a real altcoin season is taking place when it surpasses the threshold of 75.

Previous altcoin seasons often started when Bitcoin's dominance rate fell below 60%. In November, this index mainly showed a decreasing trend, although it has increased again in the last 5 days and remains below the 60% threshold.

Investors should also pay attention to the altcoin accumulation activities of large holders and whales, as smart money often moves ahead of significant increases in trading volume.

Another important signal is when some top altcoins start to outperform Bitcoin in key metrics. For example, Ethereum may record higher trading volume and ETF inflows compared to Bitcoin.

In addition, the market is also waiting for an important triggering factor: changes in liquidity conditions due to interest rate cuts and the end of quantitative tightening, which could boost maximum risk appetite.

In this scenario, the altcoin market will greatly benefit from the new influx of funds.

Mr. Giáo