Bitcoin is on track to record its strongest September performance in 14 years as the cryptocurrency extends its dramatic late-month recovery.
Bitcoin has gained roughly 10% since the beginning of September, according to historical monthly-return data.
At press time, the cryptocurrency's September gains stand at approximately 10.1%. This is its best performance for the month since 2012.
The milestone is particularly notable because September has historically been one of Bitcoin's weakest calendar months.
Bitcoin breaks September curse
The cryptocurrency recorded negative September returns in six consecutive years between 2017 and 2022, according to historical data.
The streak finally ended in 2023: Bitcoin went on to record another positive September in 2024 and 2025.
However, this year's gain is substantially larger. Bitcoin gained roughly 13.1% in September 2012. That remained unmatched for more than a decade.
Bitcoin's current advance is now approaching that mark. However, there is still more than a week left before the monthly candle officially closes.
Some historical datasets calculate Bitcoin's September 2012 return differently because of differences in exchanges and closing-price methodology. Maketo, for example, puts the 2012 gain at 22.1%. However, it likewise shows 2026 as Bitcoin's strongest September since that year.
The unusually strong September comes after Bitcoin staged a powerful recovery over the past several days.
Bitcoin is up about 13.8% over the past seven days and 11.6% over the past 30 days.
The cryptocurrency recently surged above $87,000, reaching its highest level since January. The move was accompanied by renewed inflows into U.S. spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds as well as a substantial derivatives short squeeze.
U.S. spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded roughly $999 million worth of net inflows on Sept. 21 alone.
The rally has also helped Bitcoin erase much of the damage inflicted by its turbulent performance earlier this year.
That said, Bitcoin remains roughly flat for 2026 after suffering steep losses during the first half of the year. It is also down roughly 31% from its all-time high of $126,080 that was recorded last October.
For now, however, Bitcoin is bucking one of its most persistent seasonal tendencies.
Arman Shirinyan
Dan Burgin
