Bitcoin in May: Every May Since 2015
Bitcoin has risen in 6 of 12 Mays since 2015 (50%, against 56% for all months), with an average change of +8.1% and a median of +3.4%. Its best May was 2017 (+69.6%) and its worst 2021 (−35.4%). May ranks 5 of 12 by average change.
Bitcoin in every May, 2015–2026
% change in the monthWhat happens in June after May
How often June rose after bitcoin ended May higher or lower, compared with all months (56% rose).
After a higher May
InconclusiveAfter bitcoin ends May higher, June has risen 67% of the time since 2014 (4 of 6), against 56% for all months, with an average change of +8.9% and a median of +5.4%: too few cases to say.
After a lower May
InconclusiveAfter bitcoin ends May lower, June has risen 33% of the time since 2014 (2 of 6), against 56% for all months, with an average change of −8.8% and a median of −10.3%: 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 May, Year by Year
Month-end close and the change in May, with June next to it.
| Year | Close, end of May | May | June after |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $73,580 | −3.6% | −20.4% |
| 2025 | $104,638 | +11.1% | +2.4% |
| 2024 | $67,491 | +11.3% | −7.1% |
| 2023 | $27,220 | −7.0% | +12.0% |
| 2022 | $31,792 | −15.7% | −37.8% |
| 2021 | $37,333 | −35.4% | −6.1% |
| 2020 | $9,461 | +9.3% | −3.4% |
| 2019 | $8,575 | +60.2% | +26.2% |
| 2018 | $7,494 | −18.9% | −14.5% |
| 2017 | $2,286 | +69.6% | +8.5% |
| 2016 | $531 | +18.5% | +26.7% |
| 2015 | $230 | −2.5% | +14.3% |
In the calendar in May
- The third halving was on 11 May 2020.
- 22 May: Bitcoin Pizza Day, the first known purchase with bitcoin (2010).
Events that fall in the month; they do not explain any single year's move.
Bitcoin by Month
Bitcoin in May: FAQ
Is May a good month for bitcoin?
Bitcoin has risen in 50% of Mays since 2015 (6 of 12), against 56% for all months, with an average change of +8.1%. May ranks 5 of 12 months by average change. In the last 10 years it rose 5 times. Seasonal patterns are not a reliable guide to any single year.
What was bitcoin's best May?
2017, when bitcoin rose 69.6%. The worst was 2021 (−35.4%).
What happens to bitcoin in June after a higher May?
After bitcoin ends May higher, June has risen 67% of the time since 2014 (4 of 6), against 56% for all months, with an average change of +8.9% and a median of +5.4%: too few cases to say.
What happens to bitcoin in June after a lower May?
After bitcoin ends May lower, June has risen 33% of the time since 2014 (2 of 6), against 56% for all months, with an average change of −8.8% and a median of −10.3%: 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{corgano2026bitcoininmayevery, author = {{Corgano}}, title = {Bitcoin in May: every May since 2015}, howpublished = {\url{https://bitcoinprice.corgano.com/bitcoin-in-may}}, year = {2026}, note = {Corgano Bitcoin Price, accessed 2026-10-27}}