The season started on 27 November 2015 in Ruka, Finland, and ended on 12 March 2016 in Canmore, Alberta, Canada.

Therese Johaug set a new record for total points in one season, with 2681.

Martin Johnsrud Sundby set a new men's record for total points in one season, with 2634.

Sundby won 14 races during the season and surpassed Petter Northug's record of nine victories which he achieved in both 2009–10 and 2012–13.

Johaug won 17 races during this season and equaled Marit Bjørgen's record from 2011–12; a record Johaug herself eclipsed with 20 victories in the 2019–20 season.