Will Altseason Happen in 2026? Why It Was Delayed in 2025 & What Comes Next
Published on December 29, 2025 | Written by The Crypto Hawk
Many investors expected altseason to begin in 2025, especially after Bitcoin surged toward $100,000 earlier this year.
But it never arrived.
As 2025 comes to a close, most altcoins are down significantly — Ethereum -14%, Solana -22% — while capital remains concentrated in BTC.
So the real question now is: Will altseason finally happen in 2026?
In this post, we’ll explain why altseason was delayed in 2025, when momentum could shift, and how to prepare for the next wave.
- Altseason did not start in 2025 — fewer than 40% of alts outperformed BTC
- Historically, broad alt rallies begin 3–6 months after the halving
- The April 2026 halving sets up Q2–Q3 2026 as the most likely window
- Use this time to research AI, DeFi, and L1 projects before the wave hits
What Is Altseason?
Altseason is when altcoins (cryptocurrencies other than Bitcoin) start outperforming BTC in price growth over a sustained period.
It's officially recognized when:
“75% or more of the top 100 cryptocurrencies (excluding stablecoins) outperform Bitcoin over 90 days.”
This definition is used by CoinMarketCap and major crypto analysts.
Why Altseason Was Delayed in 2025
Despite hopes, late 2025 shows:
- Bitcoin dominance holding above 55%
- BTC down ~8% in past month, ETH down ~14%, SOL ~22%
- Fear & Greed Index at 32 ("Fear"), not "Greed"
This means capital is not rotating into alts — yet.
Historically, broad altcoin rallies don't happen before the halving... they come months after, once institutional flows stabilize.
When Could Altseason Begin in 2026?
Based on past cycles, the most likely window for altseason is:
Q2–Q3 2026 (April – September)
That’s 3–6 months after the April 2026 Bitcoin halving — when new supply pressure eases and traders seek higher returns beyond BTC.
Smart investors use this current phase to:
- Research high-potential alts (AI, DeFi, L1s)
- DCA into positions at lower prices
- Set alerts for breakout signals
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
🚀 Will altseason happen in 2026?
Yes, historically altseason begins 3–6 months after the Bitcoin halving. With the next halving in April 2026, Q2–Q3 2026 is the most likely window.
📉 Why didn’t altseason happen in 2025?
Because capital remained in Bitcoin, most alts underperformed, and market sentiment stayed in "Fear" — not the euphoria needed for alt rotation.
🪙 Does Ethereum count as an altcoin?
Yes! In altseason tracking, ETH is treated as an altcoin. Its performance contributes to the overall signal.
🔍 How do I know when altseason starts?
Watch for: 75%+ of top 100 alts outperforming BTC, falling BTC dominance, and rising volume in altcoins.
📱 Will there be a live dashboard?
Yes! We're building a real-time Altseason + Fear & Greed dashboard. Subscribe to get access first.
Final Thoughts
Altseason did not materialize in 2025 — but that doesn’t mean it’s gone.
History suggests the real surge often comes months after the halving, not before.
Use 2026 to study, accumulate wisely, and set alerts. When the wave finally comes, be ready.
