When Is the Best Time to Buy Bitcoin? (Updated 2024)

Bitcoin dominates the digital currency world with its name recognition and colossal carbon footprint. This digital asset has become the flagship of the cryptocurrency revolution, shaping our understanding of the nature of money in the digital age. Since its inception in 2009, Bitcoin has persistently occupied center stage in crypto markets, challenging traditional notions of investment and sparking heated debate about the very essence of currency.

Its roller coaster–like price fluctuations are well-documented, and often a topic of concern. With every surge and plummet of Bitcoin's price, the enigmatic question bubbles up: "When is the best time to buy and sell Bitcoin?" 

This question isn't confined to the seasoned trader or the savvy tech enthusiast: it extends to novices and financial veterans alike, reflecting the complexity and uncertainty inherent in Bitcoin's infamous volatility.

In this article, we’ll provide insights into the evergreen dilemma of when to buy Bitcoin as an investment. By leveraging historical patterns, cutting through market predictions and examining the myriad of factors influencing Bitcoin's price shifts, this piece aims to provide a framework for understanding of investment strategy in this highly volatile but potentially profitable digital asset.

Key Takeaways:

• Bitcoin's price is influenced by factors such as supply-and-demand dynamics, technological innovations, regulatory shifts and macroeconomic events. Understanding these factors can help in making investment decisions.

• Historical trends and patterns, like those around Bitcoin's halving events, suggest that specific periods may offer better investment opportunities. However, given Bitcoin's inherent volatility, these patterns shouldn’t act as the sole basis for trading decisions.

• Successful Bitcoin investment requires not just timing but also a comprehensive strategy, which could include diversification, staying abreast of market trends and seeking advice from financial professionals. Strategies like dollar-cost averaging can be beneficial in mitigating the risks of Bitcoin's price volatility.

How Did We Get Here?

Reflecting on Bitcoin's journey from its 2009 launch to the present, the interplay between its trading volume, halving events and price trajectory paints a fascinating picture of how this pioneering digital asset has evolved.

Overall Bitcoin Trading Volume

Bitcoin's trading volume (the number of bitcoins exchanged within a specific time frame) has grown substantially since its inception, indicating heightened market activity. This surge mirrors Bitcoin's escalating popularity and increasing acceptance as a viable investment and transaction medium. Trading volume ebbs and flows based on factors such as price shifts, regulatory changes, tech advancements and worldwide events. As of Aug 14, 2024, CoinGecko lists Bitcoin’s price at $60,894. Its 24-hour trading volume is around $79,772,262,417, which signifies continued interest in the cryptocurrency market.

Bitcoin Halving 

Central to Bitcoin's evolution is its halving process. Each time 210,000 Bitcoin blocks have been mined — roughly every four years — this built-in mechanism slashes the reward miners receive for validating transactions and minting new bitcoins by 50%. This strategic design is meant to regulate Bitcoin's inflation rate and safeguard its scarcity. It inherently influences the rate of Bitcoin creation and, consequently, its supply.

Historically, a significant price increase has been observed with each halving, due to supply-demand dynamics. The most recent Bitcoin halving took place in April 2024 as mining rewards were reduced by half, meaning miners will receive 3.125 BTC for each successfully completed block.

Bitcoin Price Trajectory in 2022

Bitcoin's journey through 2022 was characterized by significant volatility, a hallmark of the cryptocurrency market. After reaching a peak of approximately $68,789 in November 2021, Bitcoin experienced a dramatic downturn following the crash of Terra, culminating in a low of under $20,000 in June 2022. This decline was part of a broader market correction influenced by various factors, including macroeconomic conditions, shifts in regulatory landscapes and key events within the crypto space.

One notable event that had a profound impact on Bitcoin and the broader cryptocurrency market in 2022 was the collapse of FTX in November, which exemplified the risks associated with digital asset investments and contributed to market instability as Bitcoin’s price fell to a low of around $15,000. This event highlighted the interconnectedness of the crypto ecosystem and the potential for single events to trigger widespread market effects. 

Despite these challenges, Bitcoin showed resilience, with its price recovering to some extent in the months that followed. 

Bitcoin Price Trajectory in 2023

The next year, 2023, marked a significant period in the journey of Bitcoin, witnessing a remarkable recovery and volatility that captured the attention of investors worldwide. The year began with Bitcoin at a subdued price of $16,540.69 on Jan 1, 2023, laying the foundation for a series of dramatic shifts that would unfold over the next twelve months.

By Feb 21, 2023, Bitcoin’s price had seen a notable increase, reaching $24,786.67 and signaling a resurgence of investor confidence and market interest. This upswing, however, was met with a temporary setback in March, when its price dipped to $20,195.23, challenging the optimism of the crypto community.

April brought a turning point as Bitcoin surged past $30,000 for the first time since June 2022, breaking a psychological barrier and reigniting bullish sentiment across the market​​. This milestone was a testament to both Bitcoin's enduring appeal and its resilience in the face of market fluctuations.

However, the journey wasn’t without its troughs. The following two months saw a price retracement to approximately $25,000, reflecting the constant ebb and flow typical of cryptocurrency markets. And yet, by the end of June 2023, Bitcoin had once again ascended to $30,000, underscoring its price movement’s volatile yet upward trajectory.

Summer and Fall 2023

This pattern of fluctuation continued through July and into September 2023, with Bitcoin oscillating around the $30,000 mark as investors navigated the uncertainties and opportunities presented by market dynamics. October witnessed another significant surge, with Bitcoin's price climbing above $30,000, marking the beginning of a robust rally that would carry through to the end of the year. 

The culmination of 2023 saw Bitcoin reach a peak of $44,000 in December to close the year on a high note. This remarkable recovery not only demonstrated Bitcoin's capacity for rebound and growth, but also solidified its position as the dominant player in the cryptocurrency market.

Throughout 2023, Bitcoin's price trajectory was a testament to its volatility and resilience, and the unwavering interest of its investors. From its lows at the start of the year to its highs at the end, Bitcoin's journey through 2023 was a vivid illustration of the dynamic and unpredictable nature of cryptocurrency, setting the stage for its future movements and the continued evolution of the digital asset landscape.

Bitcoin Price Trajectory in 2024

Due to various catalysts favoring Bitcoin, 2024 has been quite bullish for BTC, increasing its appeal to investors. In January 2024, BTC’s price hit $45,000, a price movement fueled by the SEC’s much-anticipated approval of Bitcoin Spot ETFs, a pivotal development that opens the asset to institutional investors. Following this landmark decision, Bitcoin pumped to $48,000, signifying both the community’s and regulators’ sentiments toward the coin's legitimacy.

After a slight correction and consolidation around $38,000 and then $42,200 toward the end of the month, Bitcoin’s bullish momentum continued in February and March 2024. BTC tested its previous all-time high (ATH) price of around $69,000 on Mar 5, 2024, before smashing that price and reaching a new ATH of $73,737.94 on Mar 14, 2024, a heightened price surge attributed to anticipation of the Bitcoin halving event in April 2024.

Following the successful Bitcoin halving event on Apr 19, 2024, Bitcoin’s price has remained in the green for most of May, June and July 2024, consolidating at $65,000 and $71,000. However, August 2024 opened poorly for Bitcoin, as its price plummeted on August 1 and dipped below $50,000 on August 5. It quickly recovered, however, and Bitcoin's price has since been oscillating between $58,000 and $61,000.

What Causes Bitcoin’s Price to Fluctuate?

Bitcoin's value fluctuates based on numerous intertwined factors, primarily dictated by the balance between supply and demand. When demand for Bitcoin surges, its price naturally rises since it has a finite supply. Conversely, a downturn in demand or an upturn in supply, such as from additional Bitcoin mining, can cause the price to drop. 

However, the price of Bitcoin is also heavily influenced by the overarching investor sentiment. Crypto prices can pivot drastically, due to significant news or events related to Bitcoin or the broader financial market. Investing in Bitcoin is considered a risky investment, so when traditional financial markets are experiencing downturns, Bitcoin sometimes suffers from a risk-off environment as well.

Regulation and technological advances also contribute significantly to the ebb and flow of Bitcoin's price. Regulatory updates worldwide can dramatically swing Bitcoin's value. A major economy imposing a ban, for instance, could cause the price to dive as a result of a sudden demand slump. In contrast, supportive regulatory changes can bolster its price. Technological progress, including improvements to the Bitcoin protocol or broader tech advancements, can also push up the price by influencing its appeal to investors.

Distinct elements within the cryptocurrency ecosystem, such as halving events and economic fluctuations, hold substantial sway. Bitcoin halving events can trigger price movements due to the resulting constraint of the new Bitcoin supply. Periods of uncertainty in traditional markets may amplify Bitcoin's demand, given its status as “digital gold” and a perceived safe haven from conventional financial systems. Additionally, whale investors executing large-scale buy or sell orders can create abrupt price swings. 

Even with full knowledge of these factors, forecasting Bitcoin's price trajectory remains a daunting task due to the numerous unpredictable elements at play and the innate volatility of the cryptocurrency market.

Will Bitcoin’s Rally Continue in 2025?

Bitcoin has been volatile since 2022, which has been largely bearish for the cryptocurrency industry. However, BTC’s price trajectory turned bullish toward the end of 2023 and continued into early 2024. We’ve seen the coin achieve major breakthroughs, such as the approval of Bitcoin Spot ETFs and the successful halving event that reduced the supply of BTC.

As such, many investors are upbeat about Bitcoin’s future and believe that we’ll witness another ATH at some point later this year or in early 2025, due to increased demand, especially by institutional investors who were pulled in by the Bitcoin Spot ETF approvals.

That said, as seen in previous price charts, nothing is guaranteed. The coin’s price largely depends upon various factors, such as supply and demand, inflation levels, global economic factors, technological advancements and many other parameters. Nevertheless, several analysts and experts have offered predictions based on varying assumptions and scenarios.

Bitcoin Price Prediction 2024

At least one news report has predicted that Bitcoin could reach a new ATH in 2024, with expectations set around $88,000 before settling at around $77,000 by the end of the year. Experts surveyed in a U.K. fintech firm's study suggest that Bitcoin could see an average peak price of $87,875 in 2024, with some predictions going as high as $200,000. Conversely, the lowest predicted price by the end of 2024 is $35,734, with some estimates as low as $20,000​​.

While Bitcoin's price often pumps after a halving event, there’s been no significant price surge following the April event. The slowdown in Bitcoin's bullish momentum in the middle of this year is to be expected, considering that its price has been rising since 2023. In other words, the coin's price needs to consolidate. However, some experts believe a price breakout is imminent later this year, when we could see a new ATH for Bitcoin.

Analysts who believe 2024 is a pivotal year for Bitcoin do so primarily because of a range of catalysts that have favored the coin. As previously mentioned, the successful approval of Bitcoin Spot ETFs in January 2024 and the successful halving in April are major pluses. Traditional financial systems can now confidently offer their clients Bitcoin as an asset class. Additionally, with the halving, mining Bitcoin has become more complex, reducing the coins in circulating supply and ostensibly driving up Bitcoin's value.

Bitcoin Price Prediction 2025

Despite Bitcoin's recent price tumble in August 2024, price experts still believe that the coin will continue its bullish momentum into 2025 based on the positive catalysts that have transpired since the beginning of the year.

Over its history, Bitcoin has developed clear price patterns over the roughly four-year periods between halving events. Based on historical price charts, Bitcoin's price often peaks within 12 to 18 months after halving. While nothing is guaranteed in the market, if this pattern holds, various sources believe that we could witness a new ATH in 2025.

Price prediction experts at CoinCodex forecast that Bitcoin could hit a yearly high of $175,108 in 2025 and increase to $297,407 by 2030. The $100,000 mark has been a psychological milestone for Bitcoin for many years, and some experts believe that 2025 could be the year in which Michael Saylor's Bitcoin prediction will finally be achieved.

What Does It All Mean for Bitcoin’s Price?

The future looks bright for Bitcoin, due to increased attention from the movers and shakers in the global financial world — including regulators. We’re experiencing a period in Bitcoin’s history in which mainstream financial players, such as institutional investors, have continued accumulating Bitcoin. This demand for the coin could have a positive impact on its price, especially since the recent halving event has reduced its supply.

Given the diversity of expert opinions and the complex interplay of factors influencing Bitcoin's price, the cryptocurrency market remains highly speculative and unpredictable. Investors are advised to conduct thorough research and consider various perspectives when making investment decisions in the volatile cryptocurrency market.

Looking ahead to 2030, Bitcoin’s price could surge even further, since another halving event will take place around 2028 that could make the coin even more scarce. While nothing is guaranteed, by 2030 BTC could be trading at levels we haven’t seen before, as it will have matured as a legitimate asset class.

Learn more: When is the next crypto bull run?

Indications of a Good Time to Invest

A definitive answer to the question of the best time to invest in Bitcoin remains elusive, given that Bitcoin's price is governed by so many different factors. However, there are several key indicators that can guide you to make decisions, based on your risk tolerance and investment objectives.

One such indicator is the Bitcoin halving event, which cultivates a scarcity market sentiment that typically propels Bitcoin's price upward, driven by the anticipation of reduced supply. As mentioned above, Bitcoin's price has witnessed significant growth in the months and years after a halving event.

Since Bitcoin successfully halved in April 2024, it’s become more difficult for miners to complete transaction blocks, which implies that the amount of BTC entering the market is lower. This, in turn, leads to an increase in price along with increased demand.

Furthermore, we’ve seen institutional players continue to increase their BTC holdings. Post-halving, MicroStrategy has acquired 11,931 more bitcoins, bringing its total to 226,331 BTC as of June 2024. The country of El Savador has continued to stash more bitcoins, with its holdings at 5,750 BTC as of May 2024.

Innovation and competition within the cryptocurrency sphere constitute a third significant indicator. As emerging technologies and platforms enhance the functionality, security and scalability of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, the overall interest and confidence in the crypto market surges, attracting more investors. Recent notable Bitcoin innovations include Ordinal inscriptions and the Bitcoin Runes protocol, which sparked a fleeting hype of Runes meme coins and highlighted the burgeoning potential of Bitcoin DeFi.

Should I Buy Bitcoin Low and Sell High?

Buy low, sell high is a fundamental investment principle. However, applying it to Bitcoin can be tricky, due to its substantial volatility. Rather than trying to time the market, which could lead to impulsive decisions driven by market swings, it's typically recommended you consider a long-term Bitcoin investing plan.

When it comes to Bitcoin, accurately predicting price shifts for buying low and selling high can be challenging within the crypto landscape.

Instead of trying to time the market, an approach called dollar-cost averaging (DCA) is often advised. In this strategy, you regularly invest a set amount of money, regardless of Bitcoin's current price. This helps lessen the impact of market volatility, since you end up buying more Bitcoin when prices are low and less when they’re high. DCA reduces your average cost per unit over time and promotes consistent investing, instead of reactive decisions based on market fluctuations. In addition, it allows you to benefit from Bitcoin's potential long-term growth as you gradually accumulate more units of BTC.

In a nutshell, while buying low and selling high may sound appealing, it can be challenging to implement with Bitcoin's volatile nature. A more systematic strategy, such as dollar-cost averaging, could offer more reliable long-term returns.

Top Bitcoin and Crypto Price Trackers

Investing in Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies demands staying current with price movements and market trends. Various platforms offer real-time data and trend analysis to help investors track these digital assets. Here are some top-rated Bitcoin and crypto price trackers:

• CoinMarketCap: A premier cryptocurrency price tracker, CoinMarketCap provides real-time prices, comprehensive charts and the latest news.

• CoinGecko: Similar to CoinMarketCap in features, CoinGecko also offers a unique analysis of social media sentiment and developer activity — extra metrics that could impact a crypto asset's price.

• CryptoCompare: This respected cryptocurrency data and research company offers an accurate price tracker with real-time prices, charts, news updates and thorough cryptocurrency analysis.

• Cointelegraph: Mainly a cryptocurrency news outlet, Cointelegraph also features a user-friendly price tracker with real-time prices, charting tools and timely news updates.

• Bybit Market Data: The platform offers a seamless real-time price tracker, and analysis of market trends based on the social media buzz.

When choosing a Bitcoin or crypto price tracker, think about your individual needs and preferences. Look at factors like features, data accuracy, user interface and cost. Remember, due to the volatile nature of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, these trackers should be used judiciously and complemented with your own research before making investment decisions.

How to Buy Bitcoin on Bybit

Buying and selling Bitcoin on Bybit, a prominent cryptocurrency trading platform, involves a few key steps that ensure a smooth transaction process. Here's a detailed step-by-step guide to help you navigate this process:

1. Register or sign up for an account on Bybit. Navigate to the Bybit website, and select the Sign Up option to register for a new account. You’ll be required to provide some basic information and verify your email address.

2. After your account is successfully set up, proceed to complete the KYC verification. This is an essential step that involves verifying your identity to ensure the security and legitimacy of your transactions.

3. Once the KYC process is completed, you’ll need to deposit funds into your Bybit wallet. You can do this through various methods, such as bank transfers, credit cards or using other cryptocurrencies.

4. Navigate to the Buy Crypto button on the top of the Bybit window once your wallet is funded. Here, you can view a list of available options for buying Bitcoin.

5. Select One-Click Buy > Bank Card, P2P Trading, Fiat Balance or Third Party from this list. You will be sent to a page where you can enter the amount of Bitcoin you wish to purchase. You can also select Auto-Invest to DCA your Bitcoin purchase.

6. Enter the desired amount and confirm the transaction. Make sure to double-check all of the details before finalizing the purchase.

7. Upon successful confirmation, the transaction will be executed, and the purchased Bitcoin will be reflected in your Bybit wallet.

The Bottom Line

Navigating the dynamic world of Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies can be complex, given its high volatility and constant evolution. The price of Bitcoin is dictated by a multitude of factors, including but not limited to supply and demand dynamics, technological advancements, shifts in the regulatory landscape, global economic scenarios and significant transactions made on cryptocurrency exchanges by whale investors.

There are historical precedents indicating potentially favorable periods for Bitcoin investment. However, these trends should be contextualized within the broader understanding of Bitcoin and blockchain technology's inherent unpredictability and price fluctuations. Unique considerations, such as Bitcoin halving, introduce an additional layer of complexity to Bitcoin's market behavior.

Recognizing these uncertainties and complexities, prospective investors should approach cryptocurrency investments and the market with a comprehensive understanding of these elements and a readiness to accept the associated risk. Implementing strategies such as diversification, staying abreast of market trends and seeking guidance from financial professionals can equip you to navigate the crypto landscape better.

Disclaimer: The above content is strictly for educational purposes only. This is not financial advice, nor is Bybit advocating users to invest in any form of cryptocurrencies. Should traders or investors intend to use the products as described, please seek professional advice before investing. This content will be used for translations. In any case of translation inaccuracy, the English version will prevail. 

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