The cryptocurrency market is buzzing with anticipation. Tokens like FLOKI, BONK, XRP, PEPE, PNUT, and Hamster Kombat have already seen gains between 50% and over 200% in the first two weeks of November 2024. But does this mean altcoin season has arrived? Not quite.
These gains, while impressive, are minor compared to the 5,000% to over 200,000% surges that some crypto assets are projected to yield in the coming months. True alt season hasn’t begun yet, as nearly 90% of cryptocurrencies are still near their previous lows and haven’t broken key resistance levels on higher timeframes.
In this guide, we’ll explore what altcoin season really means, when to expect it in 2025, which metrics to watch, and which undervalued altcoins might lead the charge.
What Are Altcoins?
Altcoins—short for "alternative coins"—refer to any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin. This category includes major assets like Ethereum (ETH), Binance Coin (BNB), and Solana (SOL), as well as meme coins like Dogecoin (DOGE) and Floki Inu (FLOKI). Essentially, if it’s not Bitcoin, it’s an altcoin.
Bull Market vs. Alt Season
The crypto market operates in cycles, much like seasons. A bull market is comparable to summer—a period of overall growth and optimism. Alt season, on the other hand, is like the blooming phase within that summer. It’s a sub-cycle where altcoins significantly outperform Bitcoin.
During a bull market, most cryptocurrencies rise, but during alt season, money rotates from Bitcoin into altcoins, causing explosive gains across the board.
Why Do Altcoins Have Their Own Season?
You might wonder why altcoins don’t always rally alongside Bitcoin. While some—particularly meme coins with strong Bitcoin correlations—do move in tandem, most altcoins follow a different rhythm.
For example, in early November 2024, Bitcoin surged 33% (from $69,000 to $92,000). Meme coins like FLOKI and BONK rallied over 180% during the same period. However, these moves were merely a precursor to a broader alt season, not the season itself.
Alt season occurs when capital flows out of Bitcoin and into riskier, higher-potential altcoins. This rotation creates sustained upward momentum for altcoins while Bitcoin consolidates or pulls back.
What Exactly Is Alt Season?
Alt season is a market phase where a majority of cryptocurrencies (excluding Bitcoin) experience substantial price appreciation over an extended period. Bitcoin often stagnates or declines during this time as investors shift funds into altcoins.
As alt season peaks, money tends to flow back into Bitcoin, causing altcoins to consolidate while Bitcoin resumes its upward trend. Understanding this rotational cycle is key to timing your investments.
How to Predict Altcoin Season in 2025
You don’t need a crystal ball to predict alt season. Certain on-chain and technical metrics provide reliable signals:
Bitcoin Dominance (BTC.D)
Bitcoin Dominance measures Bitcoin’s market share relative to the entire crypto market. A high BTC.D indicates that investors prefer Bitcoin over altcoins. When dominance peaks and begins to decline, it often signals the start of alt season.
In December 2020, BTC.D reached a peak just before alt season began. Currently, Bitcoin dominance is around 60.11%, approaching a key resistance zone near 63–66%. A rejection from this level could trigger the next alt season.
ETH/BTC Performance
The ETH/BTC pair tracks Ethereum’s performance against Bitcoin. During alt season, Ethereum typically outperforms Bitcoin, causing the ETH/BTC ratio to rise.
In late 2020, alt season began shortly after ETH/BTC found a bottom and reversed upward. The pair is now approaching a major demand zone, suggesting a similar reversal could occur in late 2024 or early 2025.
Bitcoin’s Historical Trends
Historical patterns suggest that alt seasons often begin several months after Bitcoin halving events. The 2024 halving occurred in April, implying that late 2024 or early 2025 could be the start window.
Additionally, increased institutional adoption and supportive statements from public figures like Elon Musk and Donald Trump could accelerate the timeline.
How Long Does Alt Season Last?
Based on previous cycles, alt season typically lasts between 9–12 months but is interspersed with periods of correction and consolidation.
In the 2020–2021 cycle, alt season ran from December 2020 to September 2021, with pullbacks in January–March and May 2021. Expect a similar pattern in 2025: two months of rallying followed by one month of cooling off.
This extended timeline offers multiple opportunities to enter and exit positions—but requires careful timing.
Top Undervalued Altcoins to Watch
While major cryptos like Bitcoin and Ethereum are solid investments, altseason presents opportunities in smaller, undervalued projects. Here are two promising candidates:
Shiba Inu (SHIB)
- Current Price: $0.000024
- Upside Target: $0.000087 (+260%)
Shiba Inu is one of the cheapest tokens among top cryptocurrencies by market cap. Its low price and high volatility make it attractive to retail investors seeking rapid portfolio growth. A breakout above key resistance levels could trigger significant gains during alt season.
Gala (GALA)
- Current Price: Near historic lows
- Short-Term Target: +766%
- Long-Term Target: +1900%
Gala is a gaming-focused cryptocurrency with a history of high volatility. It currently trades at oversold levels, offering an attractive risk-reward ratio for traders targeting 10x–20x returns.
👉 Explore real-time crypto analysis tools
Frequently Asked Questions
What is altcoin season?
Altcoin season is a market phase where cryptocurrencies other than Bitcoin significantly outperform BTC. This usually occurs when investors rotate capital from Bitcoin into altcoins, driving up their prices.
When will the 2025 alt season start?
Based on technical indicators like Bitcoin Dominance and ETH/BTC performance, alt season will likely begin in late December 2024 or early January 2025.
How long do alt seasons usually last?
Most alt seasons last between 9–12 months but include periodic corrections. The 2020–2021 season lasted roughly 10 months, with two major pullbacks.
Do all altcoins rally during alt season?
Not uniformly. Some cryptocurrencies surge early and correct later, while others rally throughout the season. Meme coins and gaming tokens often show the highest volatility.
Should I sell Bitcoin to buy altcoins during alt season?
Diversification is key. While shifting some funds into altcoins can maximize returns, maintaining Bitcoin exposure helps manage risk during market corrections.
How do I track alt season signals?
Monitor Bitcoin Dominance charts, ETH/BTC price action, and trading volume across major altcoins. These metrics provide early signs of capital rotation.
Conclusion
Altcoin season is a cyclical opportunity that rewards prepared investors. By understanding key indicators like Bitcoin Dominance and ETH/BTC trends, you can better time your entries and exits.
Remember, no two market cycles are identical—stay adaptable, diversify your portfolio, and focus on long-term strategies. The next alt season could be your chance to achieve substantial returns, but it requires patience, research, and disciplined risk management.