In the volatile world of cryptocurrency trading, where prices can fluctuate dramatically, adopting a disciplined investment strategy is essential for long-term success. Dollar-cost averaging (DCA) is a proven approach that allows traders to mitigate the risks of market volatility by investing a fixed amount at regular intervals, regardless of price. For Bitcoin (BTC), a highly volatile asset with significant growth potential, DCA offers a strategic way to build wealth over time. By analyzing historical BTC price data from 2017 to June 2025, this article explores the advantages of DCA, identifies optimal timing for purchases, and provides actionable guidance for crypto traders to implement an effective DCA strategy.
Dollar-cost averaging involves investing a fixed sum of money into an asset, such as Bitcoin, at consistent intervals (e.g., weekly or monthly), regardless of market conditions. This strategy reduces the risk of buying at peak prices by spreading investments over time, resulting in a lower average cost per unit. For Bitcoin, which has experienced significant price swings — from $20,000 in 2017 to $69,000 in 2021 and $87,349 in March 2025 — DCA is particularly effective in navigating volatility and achieving long-term gains.
Bitcoin’s price volatility can be daunting, with rapid surges and corrections. DCA minimizes the risk of investing a lump sum at a market peak. By spreading purchases over time, traders buy at various price points, reducing the impact of sudden drops. For example, a Bitcoin Magazine Pro analysis showed that a $10 weekly DCA strategy from 2019 to 2024 yielded a 202.03% return, growing $2,620 to $7,913.20, outperforming gold (34.47%) and the Dow Jones (23.43%).
DCA enforces a disciplined approach, encouraging traders to invest consistently rather than attempting to time the market. This removes emotional decision-making, which often leads to buying high and selling low. A Relai article noted that €50 weekly DCA from 2020 to 2025 grew to €165,000, demonstrating the power of consistency in Bitcoin’s bull markets.
By purchasing at regular intervals, DCA ensures traders acquire more BTC when prices are low and less when prices are high, resulting in a lower average cost per Bitcoin. Historical data from 2017 to 2025 shows that DCA outperformed lump-sum investing in bearish or volatile periods (e.g., 2018, 2022), as it avoided large investments at unsustainable highs.
DCA allows traders with varying budgets to participate in Bitcoin investing. Whether investing $10 or $1,000 weekly, the strategy is scalable, making it accessible to both retail and institutional traders. Platforms like Coinbase, Bitnob, and Strike offer low or no-fee recurring buy options, further enhancing accessibility.
Bitcoin’s historical performance underscores DCA’s potential for wealth creation. From 2017 to 2025, Bitcoin experienced multiple market cycles, yet long-term DCA strategies consistently delivered strong returns. For instance, an X post by by @WorldOfMercek (March 21, 2025) simulated $100 weekly DCA from 2018 to 2025, accumulating approximately 0.0229 BTC per $100 invested on Mondays, surpassing other days’ performance.
Historical price data from 2017 to June 2025 provides insights into the best days for DCA, maximizing BTC accumulation by targeting lower price points.
Analysis from River (2010–2023) indicates that Mondays offer a 14.36% theoretical advantage for weekly recurring buys, as they have the highest odds of being the weekly low price compared to the weekly high. An X post simulating $100 weekly DCA from 2018 to 2025 confirmed that Mondays yielded the highest BTC accumulation (0.0229 BTC per $100 invested), slightly outperforming other weekdays. This pattern may stem from reduced weekend trading volume, leading to price corrections as markets open.
Recommendation: Schedule weekly DCA purchases on Mondays to capitalize on historically lower prices.
The River analysis found that the 1st and 2nd days of the month have a 6.83% and 3.73% theoretical advantage, respectively, for being the monthly low price. Conversely, the last three days (29th–31st) are more likely to be monthly highs, with a 3.11%–6.83% increased chance of buying at a peak. Early-month purchases may benefit from reduced selling pressure or market corrections following month-end activities.
Recommendation: Schedule monthly DCA purchases on the 1st or 2nd of the month to target lower prices, avoiding the 29th–31st.
While not critical, the River study suggests a one-hour window from 12–1 PM Eastern Time offers a 4.37% theoretical advantage for daily buys, capturing more price bottoms than peaks. Traders can consider scheduling Monday purchases around noon ET for a slight edge, though intraday patterns are less reliable due to smaller sample sizes.
To maximize the benefits of DCA, traders should follow these steps:
- Choose a Reliable Platform: Useelderly, and Bitnob offer automated recurring buys with low or no fees for weekly/monthly purchases. Ensure the platform supports non-custodial wallets for security.
- Set a Fixed Investment Amount: Start with an affordable amount (e.g., $10, $50, or $100) that aligns with your budget. Consistency is key to long-term success
- Automate Purchases: Use platform tools to schedule recurring buys on Mondays (weekly) or the 1st/2nd (monthly) to ensure discipline and minimize fees.
- Monitor Performance: Use tools like the Bitcoin DCA Calculator from Newhedge or DCA-CC to track your average cost and BTC accumulation over time.
- Stay Disciplined: Continue investing through market ups and downs to benefit from averaging out volatility. Avoid reacting to short-term price fluctuations.
While DCA is a powerful strategy, traders should be aware of its limitations:
- Market Cycles: In bull markets (e.g., 2017, 2020–2021), lump-sum investing may outperform DCA due to rapid price growth. However, DCA is safer in volatile or bearish markets (e.g., 2018, 2022).
- Historical Patterns: The Monday and 1st/2nd day advantages are based on historical data (2010–2023) and may not persist. Bitcoin’s price is influenced by macroeconomic factors, regulations, and sentiment, which can disrupt trends.
- Fees and Spreads: Transaction fees and exchange spreads can erode returns. Platforms like Strike, with no trading fees for recurring buys after the initial purchase, are ideal for DCA.
- Sample Size: Monthly data (161 months from 2010–2023) has a smaller sample size than daily or weekly data, reducing statistical confidence in early-month patterns.
Dollar-cost averaging is a disciplined, accessible, and effective strategy for crypto traders looking to build a Bitcoin position while mitigating volatility. By investing consistently on Mondays (weekly) and the 1st or 2nd of the month (monthly), traders can optimize their BTC accumulation by targeting historically lower prices, as evidenced by data from 2017 to June 2025. The advantages of DCA — volatility mitigation, disciplined investing, lower average costs, accessibility, and long-term wealth building — make it an ideal approach for both novice and experienced traders. By automating purchases, choosing low-fee platforms, and staying committed through market cycles, traders can leverage Bitcoin’s growth potential, as demonstrated by historical returns of over 200% from 2019 to 2024.
Start your DCA journey today and position yourself for success in the dynamic world of cryptocurrency trading.
