Is It Altcoin Season Yet: Key Indicators and Market Signals

Is it altcoin season yet? This is a question on the minds of many crypto enthusiasts and investors. In the fast-moving world of digital assets, knowing when altcoins are set to outperform Bitcoin can help you make more informed decisions. In this article, you'll discover the latest data, market signals, and what the Altcoin Season Index reveals about the current state of the crypto market.

How the Altcoin Season Index Works and What It Shows Now

The Altcoin Season Index is a widely used metric that tracks whether the majority of top altcoins are outperforming Bitcoin over a 90-day period. When the index reaches 75 or higher, it signals the start of an altcoin season—meaning at least 75% of major altcoins have outperformed Bitcoin during that time.

As of November 2025, according to Blockchain Centre and CoinMarketCap, the Altcoin Season Index stands at 31. This indicates that the market is still dominated by Bitcoin, and most altcoins have not yet reversed their previous losses. While some tokens like Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), and XRP have shown strong rebounds, the broader altcoin market has yet to experience a full-scale rally.

Institutional Inflows and Signs of Capital Rotation

Recent developments suggest a subtle shift in market dynamics. According to a CoinShares report dated November 2025, institutional inflows into altcoins have increased, with SOL leading at $118 million, followed by XRP at $28.2 million. Meanwhile, Bitcoin and Ethereum experienced outflows, hinting at a rotation of capital into alternative cryptocurrencies.

The launch of U.S. Spot SOL ETFs featuring staking and the anticipation of multiple XRP ETFs have contributed to this trend. However, on-chain data from CryptoQuant shows a spike in altcoin exchange inflow transaction counts, indicating that some investors are selling into the relief rally. This is typical during early stages of altcoin market recoveries, but sustained momentum will depend on further declines in Bitcoin and USDT dominance.

Recent Altcoin Events and Performance Highlights

Several ecosystem-specific events are shaping the altcoin landscape:

• Chainlink (LINK): The launch of Chainlink Rewards Season 1 on November 11, 2025, has driven LINK's price up by over 6% in 24 hours, with new staking rewards and community engagement programs.
• Injective (INJ): The Altria Upgrade, one of the network's largest, has boosted INJ's price by nearly 12% ahead of its rollout.
• Cardano (ADA): The Cardano Summit 2025 in Berlin, featuring over 75 speakers, has fueled a 6% price increase for ADA in the lead-up to the event.
• Lido Finance (LDO): Upcoming governance and tokenomics updates could impact the broader DeFi space, given Lido's dominance in liquid staking.

Despite these positive developments, the Altcoin Season Index remains below the threshold for a true altcoin season. Selective rallies in certain tokens do not yet signal a broad-based market shift.

Common Misconceptions and Strategic Insights for Altcoin Season

Many newcomers believe that a few strong altcoin rallies mean altcoin season has arrived. In reality, the index and market data suggest otherwise. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Bitcoin Dominance: As of November 2025, Bitcoin's dominance stands at 59.94%. A further decline is needed for a sustained altcoin rally.
• Market Psychology: Altcoin seasons often begin when market sentiment is low and retail participation starts to rise.
• Liquidity Injections: Policy changes, such as the Federal Reserve's expected quantitative easing in December, could inject new liquidity into the market and act as a catalyst for altcoins.

It's important to use the Altcoin Season Index alongside other indicators like trading volume, on-chain activity, and project fundamentals. Diversification and careful research remain essential, especially during volatile periods.

Risks, Opportunities, and How Bitget Supports Your Altcoin Journey

While some altcoins like XRP, Zcash (ZEC), and Starknet (STRK) have shown notable price movements, they also carry risks such as potential liquidations and sudden corrections. For example, if XRP drops to $2.10, over $340 million in long positions could be liquidated, while a rise to $2.75 could trigger $69 million in short liquidations (source: Coinglass, November 2025).

To navigate these opportunities and risks, it's crucial to use a reliable and secure trading platform. Bitget offers advanced trading tools, real-time market data, and a user-friendly interface to help you manage your crypto portfolio effectively. For those interested in DeFi and self-custody, Bitget Wallet provides a secure way to store and interact with your favorite altcoins.

Curious about the next phase of the crypto market? Stay updated on the Altcoin Season Index and monitor key market signals to make informed decisions. Explore more features and insights on Bitget to enhance your trading experience and prepare for the next potential altcoin season.