XRP has closed seven consecutive Julys in the green, a run that started in July 2020. But the 3% gain recorded last month was the smallest of the bunch, and traders are now eyeing August — a month that has historically punished the token more often than not.
A streak of July gains
Since July 2020, XRP has posted positive returns every July. The median July gain over that period sits at 6.91%. The 2026 performance, however, barely registered. The token entered August with a modest 3% increase, a far cry from the double-digit jumps seen in earlier years.
The streak itself is notable, but the shrinking size of the gains suggests momentum may be fading. XRP dropped by more than 20% in June 2026, and the recovery in July was tepid at best.
August's historical curse
August has been a brutal month for XRP. Over the past four years — 2022 through 2025 — the token has ended each August in negative territory. The losses: 13.6% in 2022, 26.6% in 2023, 9.17% in 2024, and 8.15% in 2025.
Looking at the full 13-year record, only four Augusts have been positive for XRP. Two of those were massive outliers: a 52% surge in August 2017 and a 60% jump in August 2021, both during bull markets. The median August decline stands at 6.57%.
Why July 2026 was different
The modest July gain is being attributed to a broader bear market, global economic uncertainty, persistent inflation fears, and ongoing wars. These factors have weighed on risk assets across the board, and XRP was no exception. The token's inability to mount a stronger rally despite the historical July tailwind underscores the depth of the current downturn.
What August might bring
With August historically delivering a median loss of 6.57%, the odds are stacked against XRP. The two positive Augusts that did occur were fueled by bull market euphoria — conditions that are absent today. The question now is whether the bear market will deepen or if XRP can defy its own history and post a rare August gain. The next few weeks will provide the answer.
