Is “Sell in May” Still a Thing for Bitcoin...

[debra]

This year 2025, many old narratives which are considered to be proven based on historical precedents are getting destroyed...

What old narratives you mean? You mean the narratives like Bitcoin will disappear and the like? We have too many old narratives, kindly don't believe it if it seems nonsense.

and it is for good. Good for us Bitcoin holders, of course. I am not actually aware of the "Sell in May" kind of thing but then again if soon $150K price can come to Bitcoin maybe I will (just a fantasy, actually because I know it would not be easy for Bitcoin to get into that level). Right now, I am expecting a new ATH if this trend will continue for another two weeks and no lightning will strike the lucky streak down.

Indeed, the current increase is good for us. We have the chance to reach the ATH again. So we shouldn't hurry to sell in May. But we don't know if the next ATH will be $150k, it is just a prediction. However I'm sure the next ATH will be above $115k because it seems we have a quick increase nowadays.

[Axcel777]

I almost forgot about that one I used to read that on twitter (now X). I have said it before and I think it's still true that BTC market has entered a new territory. Other than the four year cycle from the halving, it's probably okay to ignore that old narrative.

If the prevailing conditions demonstrate movements that do not fit the old narrative perfectly, then the correction of what we see is not wrong. The four-year cycle is at least some structure, but the markets don’t always follow the cycle when external pressures have begun to bear heavily on prices. When we discover an old message that still resonates, but does not fit with reality we may find space for new interpretations. Our approach to assessing the market can be revised in order to provide us with a more up to date view that is not outrun by the reality.

[Crwth]

A lot of things are quite different now with Bitcoin, and seeing the price results now, it seems like it could still go up. Maybe in the middle of the month, we could see what we should do.

[Trongduy]

This year 2025, many old narratives which are considered to be proven based on historical precedents are getting destroyed...and it is for good. Good for us Bitcoin holders, of course. I am not actually aware of the "Sell in May" kind of thing but then again if soon $150K price can come to Bitcoin maybe I will (just a fantasy, actually because I know it would not be easy for Bitcoin to get into that level). Right now, I am expecting a new ATH if this trend will continue for another two weeks and no lightning will strike the lucky streak down.

Many investors may still remember the sharp price drop of BTC and the entire market in May 2021, amidst extreme investor greed and the belief that BTC could easily reach 100K dollars in a super-cycle. This year, that could very well be repeated, but I think the probability is very low because the market context has changed significantly compared to four years ago.

The BTC price has recovered and regained the 100K dollars level, but many investors remain cautious and worried about negative scenarios for BTC and the global economy. I still believe in a crypto winter but am not concerned about "sell in May and go away" this year. Time and the market will soon give us the most accurate answer!

[slapper]

I almost forgot about that one I used to read that on twitter (now X). I have said it before and I think it's still true that BTC market has entered a new territory. Other than the four year cycle from the halving, it's probably okay to ignore that old narrative.

Yes, that's exactly it. We're no longer in 2017 or 2021. The old scripts are nostalgic at best, misleading at worst. The four-year rhythm is still present in the background, but it is no longer the only beat. The market is now too reactive and linked

Despite many saying this cycle is same as others I believe there are some dissimilarities due to various factors like ETF, Trumps and the likes.
Normally in respect to previous cycle, we were not expected to close the first three months in red
I believe likewise the sell in May would be different this time and could be coined as Buy in May.
We are closer to something beautiful this month than we ever were in the past two months
Both chartwise and Economic wise.

This cycle does feel different. ETFs changed the game. Now it’s not just crypto people trading Bitcoin, it’s big funds too, and they play by different rules. Trump, tariffs, and the US economy slowing down... all these things make it hard to compare to older cycles. I agree this month feels better than March/April. But I’m still cautious

These are reflexes and pulse of many that have thought it's still the same narrative as before. I have got friends who said the same thing but I didn't say a word on them. I always tell them, if they want to sell, sell in profits and not in losses. But if they have to sell for cutting loss, it's still fine. This month of May has just started and we have still a lot of months to watch out for this bull run, people need to decide if they're going to sell then they have to do it this period of the cycle. Because once this ends likely in the end of the year, they have to wait further again.

That is a good way to think about it. It's always better to sell with a profit than to cut quickly because of a meme. You're also right that May is just the start. Lots of people act like the month is over when it's only the beginning of the book. If someone really thinks we're in the late stages of a bull, this is the point where decisions need to be made. Sell, hold, rotate. And it has to be intentional, not emotional

Also, like you did with your friends, sometimes it's best to just keep quiet

[slapper]

This year 2025, many old narratives which are considered to be proven based on historical precedents are getting destroyed...and it is for good. Good for us Bitcoin holders, of course. I am not actually aware of the "Sell in May" kind of thing but then again if soon $150K price can come to Bitcoin maybe I will (just a fantasy, actually because I know it would not be easy for Bitcoin to get into that level). Right now, I am expecting a new ATH if this trend will continue for another two weeks and no lightning will strike the lucky streak down.

A lot of old ideas are breaking down in 2025, and I think that’s healthy. We’re in a different world now. ETFs changed the game, macro is weird, and Bitcoin doesn’t follow old patterns like before. So maybe “Sell in May” is just leftover noise from a different time. I like that you brought up $150K. Even if it feels far, it’s not impossible. But yeah, not easy either. Market feels unsure, some big players are buying , others are exiting, so it’s not one-directional. Let’s keep tracking how sentiment and inflows behave next 1-2 weeks. If they hold, new ATH is not a dream

Lately, I’ve been seeing people toss around “Sell in May” . But has anyone really looked at the numbers? BTC averaged +7.4% in May across 2013–2024, but the median return? Only ~1%. Three of the last four years were red. Now in 2025, ETF flows are split (IBIT +$2.4B, ARK/FBTC outflows), macro’s shaky (GDP -0.3%, unemployment ticking up), and yet BTC still rides a “Greed” wave

So… are we acting on data or just reflexes?
Are these moves about the market, or about what we think others will do?

Feels like most traders today are front-running narratives, not price

The Sell in May narrative gets thrown around like gospel, but the data tells a messier story. Bitcoin’s May returns from 2013–2024 show a +7.4% average, which sounds nice, but the median’s a measly ~1%. That gap screams volatility big wins (like 2017 +64%) skew the average, while three of the last four Mays (2021–2024) bled red, some as deep as -35%. So, history’s not exactly shouting dump it. Yet, traders still lean into the adage, maybe because it’s a catchy reflex or they’re betting on others following the herd.
In 2025, the picture’s no clearer. ETF flows are a tug of war:
BlackRock’s IBIT pulled in $2.4B recently, but ARK’s ARKB and Fidelitys FBTC are seeing outflows, signaling mixed conviction.
Macro wobbly GDP’s down 0.3%, unemployments creeping up yet Bitcoin’s surfing a “Greed” wave per sentiment indices. This feels less about fundamentals and more about narrative chasing. Traders aren’t pricing BTC; they’re front running what they think others will do, amplified by social media echo chambers.

Are we acting on data? Nah. It’s game theory dressed as analysis moves based on vibes, not numbers. The market’s a psychological casino, and right now, it’s betting on momentum over math.

This time, it's not about the numbers; it's about what people think the numbers might mean. Like you said, that's really game theory

I totally agree. This 2025 cycle isn't about clean sets based on data. It's a mess. ARKB is losing money while IBIT is making billions? That's portfolio rotation, or maybe even arbitrage, and it hides what's really going on. When feelings go from "Extreme Fear" to "Greed" in a matter of weeks and GDP goes down? The setting is irrational. All of it is reaction

Everyone is playing chicken with expectations. No one wants to be the last person to buy before the flush. And social media makes that happen faster

[albon]

There are quite positive signals for bitcoin in the current year so it seems like a good choice at the current level. Maybe this year bitcoin cryptocurrency will perform great in the short term. However, we always want to speculate for the future price and everything may not happen in time. So it would be difficult for me to answer the question of whether you should hold or sell because it depends on how much you have ever bought and your level of experience with the market and whether you have a fundamental belief in bitcoin as a whole.

You may lose the right price at the right time due to making the wrong decision. You can sell something keeping in mind the market situation. If you buy at a high price and fail to sell on time, you can end up losing a lot of money. Unless you really know what you're doing, it can be difficult for you to make the right decisions.

[densus88]

There are quite positive signals for bitcoin in the current year so it seems like a good choice at the current level. Maybe this year bitcoin cryptocurrency will perform great in the short term. However, we always want to speculate for the future price and everything may not happen in time. So it would be difficult for me to answer the question of whether you should hold or sell because it depends on how much you have ever bought and your level of experience with the market and whether you have a fundamental belief in bitcoin as a whole.

You may lose the right price at the right time due to making the wrong decision. You can sell something keeping in mind the market situation. If you buy at a high price and fail to sell on time, you can end up losing a lot of money. Unless you really know what you're doing, it can be difficult for you to make the right decisions.

Yeah this year bitcpin will reach ATH again, and the signal we read is quite good that the increase and movement of bitcoin in the market is quite good.
no doubt every 4 year cycle we will see the price of bitcoin reach its ATH and this is what many investors are waiting for, because of course they have a target to sell their coins

[0t3p0t]

More time is needed, that's all.

New ATH is underway, in my opinion, and we have all the time in the world to see it happen.

I also feel that this happen in the coming months just like what had happened in 2017 I feel it will happen again this time. Only time will tell not unless it will repeat itself. It's always an advantage for those who have funds to accumulate.

[Bobcrypto]

Lately, I’ve been seeing people toss around “Sell in May” . But has anyone really looked at the numbers? BTC averaged +7.4% in May across 2013–2024, but the median return? Only ~1%. Three of the last four years were red. Now in 2025, ETF flows are split (IBIT +$2.4B, ARK/FBTC outflows), macro’s shaky (GDP -0.3%, unemployment ticking up), and yet BTC still rides a “Greed” wave

So… are we acting on data or just reflexes?
Are these moves about the market, or about what we think others will do?

Feels like most traders today are front-running narratives, not price

Everyone has a strategic market prices to sell their crypto, whether may or June, even December, it make no meaning meaning to me. What is important is the experience to trader effecienttly.
Many Traders are speculators, and any public opinion about a particular periods or a day to sales Bitcoin could be part of their speculative trading strategies to cause panic sales.
As far as i know, "Sale in may" has no bearing on the crypto economy and no effect, it is the same with any other months, and should be disregarded in my opinion.

[|MINER|]

I will say here that I don't think market will be done in May month I can say it will goes around 100k like ups and down.  And then maybe on the future  after this month we will say a new all time high price from the Bitcoin and as well we will see the real altcoin season what will be the end of this bull season.
So I will say that we should still hold our fund and claimed down for more time for a new all time high price by the Bitcoin price then you can sell your bitcoin .

[taufik123]

I will say here that I don't think market will be done in May month I can say it will goes around 100k like ups and down.  And then maybe on the future  after this month we will say a new all time high price from the Bitcoin and as well we will see the real altcoin season what will be the end of this bull season.
So I will say that we should still hold our fund and claimed down for more time for a new all time high price by the Bitcoin price then you can sell your bitcoin .

Even now that the market started in May, Bitcoin managed to reach $100k and is currently still holding at $103k assuming that the new ATH will be reached soon no Bitcoin price still remains above $100k.

The next ATH will be the determinant that bitcoin will reach a higher level, Many people predict that the ATH will reach $120k so that May will be the beginning of a new ATH to be reached, so there are still plenty of opportunities to enter. DWYOR

[Hamza2424]

A lot of things are quite different now with Bitcoin, and seeing the price results now, it seems like it could still go up. Maybe in the middle of the month, we could see what we should do.

Isnt there uncertainty still, by the way geopolitical situation is not much good, still market is making good recovery, I things go smooth as well in coming few weeks, but still need to consider the other global aspects, Bitcoin has recovered the previous peek almost, a strong back support in volume is needed to go up from here.

[Cryptsafe]

Looking at the current market trend, it is clear that Bitcoin is still bullish and is able to maintain its bullish trend for a while, which means more profit for holders. Although people already in profit might have sold or are tempted to sell but I will watch and see how it goes for the time being, as a new all-time high is imminent.

[Rubel007]

Looking at the current market trend, it is clear that Bitcoin is still bullish and is able to maintain its bullish trend for a while, which means more profit for holders. Although people already in profit might have sold or are tempted to sell but I will watch and see how it goes for the time being, as a new all-time high is imminent.

This bullish movement of Bitcoin was expected. Although the price of Bitcoin has been in a downward trend for a long time, it is now gradually moving towards new highs. We may see another new high in the short term, but investors have not yet built that confidence. Some of them are seeing a trend of increasing the price of Bitcoin for the long term. Experienced traders are collecting it without fear, and some of those who are afraid are also selling. Those who have long-term plans will definitely give importance to its accumulation, not the price.