Altcoin season is a market phase when alternative cryptocurrencies (altcoins) outperform Bitcoin in terms of price growth. This shift usually occurs when Bitcoin stabilizes after a rally, leading traders to rotate profits into smaller-cap coins. Altcoin seasons can produce sharp, rapid gains but also come with increased volatility.
Example:
During the 2021 altcoin season, coins like Solana, Cardano, and Avalanche saw triple-digit gains while Bitcoin's price remained relatively flat.