The Altcoin Season Index is currently at 36. This number can help crypto investors understand where they are in the market cycle. Are altcoins getting stronger, or is Bitcoin still leading the way? Let's break it down in simple terms and with real data.
What is the Altcoin Season Index?
The Altcoin Season Index is a metric created by Blockchain Center. It looks at the performance of the 50 cryptocurrencies (excluding Bitcoin and stablecoins) in the last 90 days. When 75% of altcoins outperform Bitcoin, it is considered an "altcoin season".
Here’s how to read the index:
- 0–25 = Bitcoin Season (Bitcoin is performing better than most altcoins)
- 25–75 = Neutral zone
- 75–100 = Altcoin Season (most altcoins are doing better than Bitcoin)
Right now, the index is at 36, which means we're still deep in Bitcoin territory. Altcoins aren't leading the market yet, and Bitcoin remains the dominant asset. But as we've seen before, things can change quickly in crypto.
Bitcoin vs altcoins: who’s leading now?
According to CoinMarketCap, in early April 2025, Bitcoin controls about 60% of the crypto market. When Bitcoin’s position is this strong, altcoins’ prices usually don’t grow drastically as most investors stick with BTC.
Even so, a few altcoins are starting to catch investors' attention. For example:
- Solana (SOL) is up over 15% in the past month.
- Stacks (STX) and Render (RNDR) have seen big price moves recently.
These are early signs that the attention focus may be shifting.
Why the Altcoin Season Index matters
If you invest in crypto, knowing whether it’s Bitcoin or altcoin season can help you make smarter choices. In a Bitcoin-led market, smaller altcoins often stay flat or lose value. But when altcoins take the lead, gains can be fast and big.
The Altcoin Season Index chart can help you track these shifts. For example, in early 2021, the index shot above 90. That was a strong altcoin season. Coins like Ethereum, Cardano, and Dogecoin saw massive growth during that time.
Now at 36, the index shows that Bitcoin is still stronger than most altcoins, but some coins are starting to close the gap.
When does the altcoin season start?
it is impossible to provide the exact date and time of a circle’s change, but here are signs to watch for:
- Bitcoin cools off – After a big run-up, Bitcoin may pause or drop. Investors then look for returns in altcoins.
- Altcoins outperform Bitcoin – Look for 75% of top altcoins beating Bitcoin over 90 days.
- Rising altcoin trading volume – More money flowing into altcoins is a strong signal.
- Strong moves in top altcoins – Watch Ethereum, Solana, Avalanche, and others.
Sites like TradingView and CoinGecko offer charts to compare performance over time.
Real-world example: past altcoin seasons
In early 2021, the Altcoin Season Index hit 98. During that time:
- Ethereum went from $700 to over $4,000
- Cardano climbed from $0.18 to over $2.00
- Dogecoin jumped from under 1 cent to 70 cents
This shows the growth that can happen during the circle’s change.
Final thoughts: What the index tells us now
At 36, the Altcoin Season Index suggests we’re not in a full Bitcoin rally. Bitcoin is still the top performer. But if the trend continues and the index climbs toward 50 or 60, we could be approaching the next altcoin season.
If you’re holding altcoins or thinking of adding some to an investor’s portfolio, this is a time to be alert, not aggressive. Follow Bitcoin’s movements, track the index, and watch for signs of rising momentum in altcoins.
In crypto, trends can change fast. Pay close attention to the altcoin index, Bitcoin dominance, and trading volume to guide your choices. Being informed gives you an edge — and that’s always in season.
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