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The question of when the crypto bull season will start has been one of the most discussed topics in the market recently. Many analysts and traders believe that a genuine upward cycle could take shape around mid-2026, and I also find this scenario quite plausible.
Looking at historical data first, Bitcoin's April 2024 halving gives us an important clue. In past cycles, a bull run has typically occurred within 12 to 18 months after such events. Based on this calculation, it is reasonable to expect significant price movements between the first and middle parts of 2026. Macro strategist Raoul Pal and similar figures support this view and even predict a peak around June 2026.
I believe Q1 could be particularly important because, during that time, interest rate cuts, improved liquidity conditions, and possibly regulatory clarifications may come into play. The increasing institutionalization and new narratives like tokenization could also act as catalysts during this period. Additionally, crypto projects related to artificial intelligence have been attracting serious attention lately, which supports the bull scenario.
However, it’s also important to consider that not all assets move in the same way. Bitcoin may lead, but altcoins could perform differently depending on liquidity and adoption speed. Some analysts see a more delayed bull story or ongoing consolidation periods depending on market conditions. Volatility and fundamental economic factors will determine how this backdrop unfolds.
Currently, prices are around $80,280 for BTC, $93.42 for SOL, and $2,290 for ETH. No major movements have occurred yet, but the answer to when the crypto bull season will start is probably approaching. It’s essential to closely monitor how this market develops toward the middle of 2026. Tracking these assets on Gate and evaluating potential opportunities could be a good strategy.