Winter Travel Hotspots: Where Mosquitoes Are Still Biting (and How to Stay Protected)

Think mosquito season ends in summer? Think again.

After one of the UK’s warmest summers, NHS data revealed record-high searches for bite and sting advice during August’s heatwaves. Experts say those conditions - warmer, wetter, and longer-lasting - have extended mosquito activity well beyond the summer months.

Now, as we move into tropical travel season, those same conditions are shaping where mosquitoes thrive across the globe and why travellers should stay alert even as temperatures drop at home.

From UK gardens to global getaways

Through October, mosquito reports continued across southern England and coastal areas - proof that bites are no longer just a summer story.
But as the weather cools here, mosquitoes follow the warmth. The result? New winter hotspots across popular travel destinations including:

• Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia)
• Caribbean islands
• Central America and Mexico
• Parts of Africa and the Indian Ocean

These regions remain active due to humid conditions and standing water, ideal mosquito breeding environments.

If you’re planning a getaway, check local travel health guidance before you go. Even mild climates can see increased mosquito activity after rainfall.

Why this matters for travellers

November to February marks the start of tropical travel season and for many, it’s the first long-haul holiday since summer. But changing weather patterns mean that mosquitoes don’t follow the calendar, they follow the climate.

Whether you’re hiking in Costa Rica, exploring Thailand’s islands, or heading to the Canaries for some winter sun, insect protection is still essential. Bites can carry more than discomfort. In some areas, mosquitoes transmit viruses such as dengue, chikungunya and Zika.

How to stay protected naturally

The good news? Staying bite-free is simple with the right prep and protection.
incognito® products are clinically tested to provide 100% protection for at least four hours (and up to eight) against mosquitoes that carry disease - all with no Deet or synthetic chemicals.

To keep your protection routine effortless and sustainable, follow our four-part system - from skin prep to after-bite care - designed for both UK and tropical conditions. 

Travel smart this winter

A quick reminder to follow our CLOAK method before you pack your bags:

• Use daily protection. Reapply repellent, especially in the evening.
• Layer up at dusk. Light, long-sleeved clothing helps reduce bites.
• Keep it eco. Choose reef-safe, natural repellents that are better for your skin and the planet.

Looking ahead

Mosquito activity may shift with the seasons, but it never really stops, it just moves.
So wherever your travels take you this winter, pack smarter, stay prepared, and explore confidently knowing you’re covered.

Because prevention is always better than the itch.