Bitcoin in December: Every December Since 2014
Bitcoin has risen in 5 of 12 Decembers since 2014 (42%, against 56% for all months), with an average change of +7.1% and a median of −3.2%. Its best December was 2020 (+47.8%) and its worst 2021 (−18.8%). December ranks 7 of 12 by average change.
Bitcoin in every December, 2014–2025
% change in the monthWhat happens in January after December
How often January rose after bitcoin ended December higher or lower, compared with all months (56% rose).
After a higher December
InconclusiveAfter bitcoin ends December higher, January has risen 60% of the time since 2014 (3 of 5), against 56% for all months, with an average change of −5.3% and a median of +0.7%: too few cases to say.
After a lower December
InconclusiveAfter bitcoin ends December lower, January has risen 43% of the time since 2014 (3 of 7), against 56% for all months, with an average change of +1.8% and a median of −7.6%: too few cases to say.
"Momentum" or "rebound" only when the share differs from all months by at least 5 percentage points, with at least 20 cases, and by more than chance would explain (95% confidence); otherwise "inconclusive". With one month a year, most single-month differences are within chance. The same figures for every month together: bitcoin seasonality.
Bitcoin in December, Year by Year
Month-end close and the change in December, with January next to it.
| Year | Close, end of December | December | January after |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $87,509 | −3.2% | −10.2% |
| 2024 | $93,429 | −3.1% | +9.6% |
| 2023 | $42,265 | +12.1% | +0.8% |
| 2022 | $16,547 | −3.6% | +39.8% |
| 2021 | $46,306 | −18.8% | −16.9% |
| 2020 | $29,002 | +47.8% | +14.2% |
| 2019 | $7,194 | −5.0% | +30.0% |
| 2018 | $3,743 | −6.8% | −7.6% |
| 2017 | $14,156 | +38.3% | −27.8% |
| 2016 | $964 | +29.2% | +0.7% |
| 2015 | $431 | +14.1% | −14.4% |
| 2014 | $320 | −15.3% | −32.1% |
In the calendar in December
- Year-end: some investors sell losing positions for tax purposes before 31 December.
Events that fall in the month; they do not explain any single year's move.
Bitcoin by Month
Bitcoin in December: FAQ
Is December a good month for bitcoin?
Bitcoin has risen in 42% of Decembers since 2014 (5 of 12), against 56% for all months, with an average change of +7.1%. December ranks 7 of 12 months by average change. In the last 10 years it rose 4 times. Seasonal patterns are not a reliable guide to any single year.
What was bitcoin's best December?
2020, when bitcoin rose 47.8%. The worst was 2021 (−18.8%).
What happens to bitcoin in January after a higher December?
After bitcoin ends December higher, January has risen 60% of the time since 2014 (3 of 5), against 56% for all months, with an average change of −5.3% and a median of +0.7%: too few cases to say.
What happens to bitcoin in January after a lower December?
After bitcoin ends December lower, January has risen 43% of the time since 2014 (3 of 7), against 56% for all months, with an average change of +1.8% and a median of −7.6%: too few cases to say.
History, not advice: past monthly patterns do not predict any single month. Data to 26 October 2026.
Cite this page
For essays, articles and research. Prices on this page update daily, so the citations include today's date as the date you accessed it.
@misc{corgano2026bitcoinindecemberevery, author = {{Corgano}}, title = {Bitcoin in December: every December since 2014}, howpublished = {\url{https://bitcoinprice.corgano.com/bitcoin-in-december}}, year = {2026}, note = {Corgano Bitcoin Price, accessed 2026-10-27}}