Bitcoin has risen about 10.1 percent so far in September, increasing the likelihood it will post its strongest September performance since 2012. It has extended an unusual rebound in a month that has historically been weak.

U.Today, a blockchain media outlet, reported on Sept. 22 that Bitcoin's September gain currently stands at about 10.1 percent, the highest level since 2012. In September 2012, Bitcoin rose about 13.1 percent. With September not yet over, this year's gain could still surpass that record.

Some data sets tally the September 2012 gain differently because of differences in exchanges and the way closing prices are calculated. Marketo Data puts the gain at 22.1 percent. Even in that case, it is an analysis that Bitcoin's rise in September 2026 is the strongest since 2012.

The rally is drawing attention because September has historically been a month when Bitcoin often weakened. Bitcoin posted negative September returns for 6 straight years from 2017 to 2022. The so-called 'September curse' was broken in 2023, and Bitcoin also rose in September 2024 and 2025. This year’s gain has been larger than in the previous 2 years.

The pace of the rebound has also been steep. Bitcoin has risen about 13.8 percent over the past 7 days and about 11.6 percent over the past 30 days. It recently moved above $87,000, the highest level since January. Bitcoin rose above $87,000 intraday on Sept. 21 to hit its highest level since January.

Inflows also supported the uptrend. U.S. spot bitcoin ETFs posted net inflows of about $999 million on Sept. 21 alone. In the derivatives market, a large-scale short squeeze added to the upward momentum.

The rally has allowed Bitcoin to recoup a large part of losses caused by an early-year drop. On an annual basis in 2026, it is still hovering around flat. Bitcoin stands about 31 percent below its all-time high of $126,080 recorded in October last year. Bitcoin's all-time high was recorded on Oct. 6, 2025.

As Bitcoin shows signs of breaking free from a long-running pattern of September weakness, attention is focusing on gains over the remaining trading period. Monthly returns are not final until September ends.