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Market analysts predict the next altcoin season may arrive in 2025, citing Bitcoin dominance trends and specific sector narratives like AI and DePIN.
Market indicators currently suggest that a broad altcoin season is not underway, with the Altcoin Season Index sitting well below the required threshold [1]. However, some analysts predict that a major market rotation into alternative cryptocurrencies could begin in late 2025 as Bitcoin dominance trends downward [2].
Key takeaways
The Altcoin Season Index, which tracks how many of the top 50 coins outperform Bitcoin over a 90-day period, currently reads 49, a level that signals Bitcoin dominance rather than a broad altcoin rally [1]. This reading aligns with a market structure that has favored Bitcoin for most of the past year, as the cryptocurrency recently slid from near $77,000 to approximately $61,282 over 30 days [1]. Data shows it has been 256 days since altcoins last led the market, whereas Bitcoin recorded its last season only 21 days ago [1]. Another analysis places the index in the low 40s and notes Bitcoin dominance at 61.3%, suggesting that while money is moving to altcoins, a full season has not started [2].
Despite the current bearish outlook for broad altcoin performance, some analysts predict the next altcoin season could begin in late 2025, with Coinbase suggesting a September start date [2]. This prediction relies on Bitcoin dominance falling below 60% or 62%, a pattern that preceded the 2021 rally when dominance dropped from 70% to 38% [2]. While trader Crypto Kid argues altcoins are "trophy assets" unlikely to surge until 2028 or 2029 due to liquidity constraints, others point to active narratives [1]. Decentralized AI projects like Venice Token and DePIN networks such as World Mobile and Helium are cited as areas drawing capital, with Venice Token gaining over
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AI-assisted synthesis by the TrendWatcher Editorial Desk · sourced from 2 outlets · Jun 12, 2026 · How we report
An altcoin is any cryptocurrency other than Bitcoin, as Bitcoin was the first to capture global attention.
The index compares the 90-day price performance of the top 100 cryptocurrencies, excluding stablecoins and asset-backed wrapped tokens, against Bitcoin.
During this period, altcoins typically experience rapid price appreciation, increased market dominance, and higher trading volumes, often driven by market optimism and FOMO.
Yes, Ethereum is included in the altcoin mix for the purpose of the CoinMarketCap Altcoin Season Index.