Most people know about the famous Bitcoin 4-year cycle. But besides this big cycle, Bitcoin also moves in smaller patterns. One of the most common short-term patterns is the Bitcoin 60-day cycle. This cycle shows up often in Bitcoin’s price movements and is used by many traders to spot possible tops and bottoms and everything in between. In this article, we’ll explain what the Bitcoin 60-day cycle is, how it works, and why it matters for trading.

 

What Is the Bitcoin 60-Day Cycle?

The 60-day cycle was first introduced by Bob Loukas, a well-known cycle analyst famous for his video series called The “Bitcoin’s 4-year Journey”. He observed that if you zoom in on the larger trend, Bitcoin often forms a price low approximately every 60 days.
 

The idea is simple: every 60 days, Bitcoin tends to hit a low point in its price. This low can be either a higher low or a lower low, depending on the overall market trend.
 

In a strong uptrend, the beginning of the 60-day cycle usually comes with rising prices. Around the midpoint, momentum might slow down, and near the end of the cycle, Bitcoin often dips into a cycle low. Sometimes the trend is so bullish that Bitcoin continues to rise until around day 54, and only drops slightly in the final few days. In such cases, the 60-day cycle low is typically a higher low, signaling strength in the market.

 

Why the 60-Day Cycle Matters for Bitcoin Traders
 

Most traders focus only on price action, but often overlook a key element in market analysis, time. While many trading strategies revolve around price levels, very few incorporate timing cycles, and that’s exactly what makes the 60-day cycle so powerful. Understanding this cycle can give you an edge over other traders who ignore the time factor in their analysis. 
 

The 60-day cycle helps you see where we are in the market structure and when price movements are likely to be strongest or weakest. For example, if you’re planning to go long on Bitcoin but we’re already on day 54 of the current 60-day cycle, it might be smarter to wait. The cycle is likely approaching a short-term low, and entering now could mean buying just before a dip. In that case, you could either wait a few more days or hold off until a new 60-day cycle begins and confirms upward momentum.

 

How to Spot the Bitcoin 60-Day Cycle
 

You can identify a 60-day cycle low by examining significant lows on the Bitcoin chart and measuring approximately 60 days forward and backward to see if they align with other major lows. On Whaleportal, you can always track the current position within the 60-day cycle. We continuously update the day count so you know exactly where we are. Let’s take a look at an example to see how this works in practice.

In the chart above, you can see the various 60-day cycles in Bitcoin. Note that a 60-day cycle doesn’t necessarily have to be exactly 60 days. Sometimes it is a bit shorter, and sometimes a bit longer. It is the ebb and flow of the markets and give a general idea of the tides, not an exact science. But generally, for Bitcoin to see the next low, it takes approximately 60 days.

Right and Left translated cycles 
 

The cycle top can occur either before or after the midpoint of the 60-day cycle. If the top forms early, before day 30, it’s called a left-translated cycle, meaning the peak appears on the left side of the cycle. If the top occurs later, after day 30, it’s known as a right-translated cycle. Right-translated cycles are generally considered more bullish, as they suggest strength and sustained upward momentum. The lows can either be a higher low or a lower low, as you can see in the chart above. 

 

Structure of the 60-day Cycle 
 

The 60-day cycle typically begins with a strong move. In many cases, the first few days of a new cycle show bullish momentum, signaling a fresh wave of buying. However, this strong start is not guaranteed in every cycle.
 

As the cycle develops, its translation, whether left or right, reveals the market's strength:

• A left-translated cycle peaks early (before day 30), indicating weakness and is often followed by a deeper correction.
• A right-translated cycle peaks later (after day 30), which usually shows underlying strength and signals a healthier trend.
   

Around day 30, momentum often starts to slow. This midpoint is typically when traders consider taking profits or become more cautious about opening new long positions, as the market enters the second half of the cycle.
 

The final phase of the cycle tends to have lower momentum. The cycle low, often occurring around day 60, but sometimes a few days earlier or later, is frequently marked by a sharp drop or a flush-out event, where weak hands are shaken out of the market. This can be a mini capitulation, or in some cases, a much larger correction.
 

When 60-day cycle is confirmed? 
 

The 60-day cycle doesn’t always follow a perfect schedule. Sometimes the cycle low comes a few days earlier or later than expected. That’s why traders need a way to identify when a new cycle has likely begun, and while no method is 100% guaranteed, there is a commonly used approach.
 

When Bitcoin is trading near the expected cycle low window and shows signs of bottoming, a key confirmation signal is when price breaks back above the 10-day moving average. If this breakout occurs shortly after a suspected low, the chances increase significantly that a new 60-day cycle has started.
 

Keep in mind, though, that this signal isn’t any guarantee. There are times when the price briefly moves above the 10-day MA but fails to follow through. Still, when combined with timing and price behavior, this method offers a high-probability signal for cycle confirmation.

 

Comparing the 60-Day and 4-Year Cycle
 

The Bitcoin 4-year cycle is the most well-known market cycle in crypto. Historically, it has been divided into two main phases: a bullish phase lasting around three years, followed by a bearish phase that typically lasts about one year.
 

During the three bullish years, Bitcoin's price tends to rise exponentially, especially in the final stages, when gains and volatility often increase sharply. In contrast, the bearish year usually brings a strong correction or consolidation phase.
 

While the 4-year cycle operates on a macro level, the 60-day cycle is a much shorter-term pattern. There are roughly 24 separate 60-day cycles within a single 4-year Bitcoin cycle. Although the two cycles run on different timeframes, understanding where we are in the 4-year cycle can significantly improve how you apply the 60-day cycle.
 

For example:

• In the bullish phase, you may want to focus on buying the lows of each 60-day cycle.
• In the bearish phase, you might look for shorting opportunities or wait for safer entries after cycle lows.
   

By aligning your strategy with the broader 4-year cycle, you can trade with the overall market direction, improving both timing and risk management.

 

What Happens When the Cycle Fails?

As seen in the chart above, some 60-day cycles “fail”, meaning the price breaks below the low of the previous 60-day cycle. This is called a failed cycle, and it often signals market weakness.
 

When a cycle fails, it suggests that bulls are losing control, and the market may be shifting to a bearish phase. In many cases, price continues lower, eventually forming a lower low later in the cycle. Recognizing a failed cycle early can give traders a strong signal to either exit long positions, consider short setups, or adjust risk accordingly.
 

Failed cycles can also be helpful in setting stop-loss levels. If price drops below the prior cycle low, it often confirms that the uptrend has broken, making it a logical level to manage downside risk.
 

Understanding failed cycles allows you to stay on the right side of the trend and avoid holding onto losing trades too long.
 

How to Use the Bitcoin 60-Day Cycle in Your Trading Strategy
 

There are several ways to incorporate the Bitcoin 60-day cycle into your trading strategy. But first, let’s quickly review the key characteristics of this cycle:

The start of the cycle is often strong, with upward momentum

• Around the midpoint (day ~30), momentum tends to fade
• A break below the previous cycle low signals a failed cycle and market weakness
• The final phase often includes a liquidation event or sharp correction
• A new cycle is likely confirmed when Bitcoin breaks above the 10-day moving average
   

Understanding which phase the market is in can greatly improve your trade timing. For example:
 

• If you're looking to go long, it's often better to do so early in the cycle when momentum is building.
• If we're already in the second half of the cycle, especially past day 45, it may be wiser to wait for the cycle low or look for shorting opportunities if signs of weakness appear.
• If you're uncertain, and the price is sitting late in the cycle, it may be best to wait for a mini capitulation or a flush-out move near the cycle low before entering a long position.
• Alternatively, if the price breaks below the previous cycle low, this could indicate a failed cycle, in which case short setups may be more favorable.
   

By aligning your entries and exits with the natural rhythm of the 60-day cycle, you can avoid premature trades and increase your probability of success. Time is a key component in trading, yet many traders overlook its importance. The 60-day cycle gives structure to your analysis and helps you act with more precision and confidence.
 

You can use this cycle together with Liquidation heatmaps and other derivative exchange data to optimize price levels and increase your profitability ratio. 

 

Final Thoughts: Should You Trade Based on the 60-Day Cycle?
 

The Bitcoin 60-day cycle is a helpful tool for traders who want to improve their timing and add structure to their strategy. While many traders focus only on price, time is just as important. Understanding where we are in the cycle can help you avoid bad entries, spot trend changes early, and trade with more confidence.
 

This cycle is not perfect or exact, but it shows up often enough in Bitcoin's price movements to be useful. When you combine the 60-day cycle with tools like moving averages, liquidation heatmaps, and the larger 4-year cycle, your trading decisions become more informed.
 

If you are a short-term trader or someone looking to improve entry and exit points, learning how to read the 60-day cycle can give you an edge. It helps you stay patient, avoid chasing moves, and focus on high-probability setups.

As always, no strategy works alone. Use the 60-day cycle together with strong risk management and a clear plan. Over time, trading with the rhythm of Bitcoin’s natural cycles can help you become more consistent and successful.

 

 

FAQ: Bitcoin 60-Day Cycle

 

What is the Bitcoin 60-day cycle?

The Bitcoin 60-day cycle is a recurring pattern where Bitcoin tends to form a price low approximately every 60 days. Traders use it to identify potential trend shifts, tops, and bottoms within a 2-month timeframe.

 

 

Who discovered the 60-day cycle?

The 60-day cycle was popularized by Bob Loukas, a well-known market cycle analyst who also created the “Bitcoin’s 4-Year Journey” video series.

 

Is the 60-day cycle always exactly 60 days?

No, it’s not always exactly 60 days. The cycle can sometimes be a few days shorter or longer. It’s meant to reflect a natural rhythm in the market, not a fixed rule.

 

What’s the difference between a left-translated and right-translated cycle?

A left-translated cycle peaks early (before day 30), often followed by weakness. A right-translated cycle peaks after day 30 and usually signals strength and continued upward movement.

 

How can I tell when a new 60-day cycle has started?

A new cycle is likely beginning when Bitcoin reaches a low around the expected timing window and then breaks above the 10-day moving average. This breakout is often used as a confirmation signal.

 

What is a failed 60-day cycle?

A failed cycle occurs when the price drops below the low of the previous cycle. This usually signals market weakness and can lead to further downside.

 

Can the 60-day cycle be used with other indicators?

Yes. It works well with tools like moving averages, liquidation heatmaps, volume trends, and even larger cycles like the 4-year Bitcoin cycle for better context and confirmation.

 

Should I trade based only on the 60-day cycle?

No single tool should be used in isolation. The 60-day cycle is best used as part of a broader strategy that includes risk management, price action, and confirmation from other indicators.

 

How many 60-day cycles are in the 4-year Bitcoin cycle?

There are approximately 24 individual 60-day cycles within one full 4-year Bitcoin cycle.

 

Related Articles 

- Best Crypto Deposit Bonuses
- Liquidation Heatmaps Explained 
- How To Create Bybit Corporate account