10 Ways to Avoid Mosquito Bites in Tonga + How to Treat Bites

Last Updated: 7 January, 2026

Are There Mosquitoes in Tonga?

Before heading to Tonga, you may hear the usual tropical island warnings about mosquitoes. While the warm climate, humidity and occasional rainy periods do create ideal conditions for mosquitoes in Tonga, the situation is generally manageable.

With basic precautions and sensible planning, mosquito bites don’t have to be a major issue during your trip.

When is the Mosquito Season in Tonga?

Mosquitoes are present year-round in Tonga, so it’s always a good idea to carry insect repellent with you. They tend to be more noticeable during the wetter months, when humidity and rainfall increase mosquito activity.

Learn more about seasonal conditions in our guide, Tonga Weather, Seasons & Climate.

Is There Dengue Fever and Chikungunya in Tonga?

Tonga, like many Pacific Island nations, has experienced outbreaks of mosquito-borne illnesses, particularly dengue fever. Symptoms can include high fever, headaches and body aches, which can quickly disrupt your holiday plans.

While chikungunya is less common, travellers should still take precautions to avoid mosquito bites. Learn more about health risks and prevention in Tonga Safety Tips: Is it Safe to Travel to Tonga?

Is There Zika Virus in Tonga?

Zika virus is less common but has historically been present in parts of the Pacific, including Tonga. Travellers should stay informed by checking official travel health advisories before departure. If you are pregnant or have specific health concerns, it’s best to consult your doctor before travelling.

With all of the above in mind, we’ve put together this guide on practical ways to avoid mosquito bites in Tonga. Let’s begin!

1. Protect Yourself with Mosquito Repellents

Sprays, creams, soaps, bracelets, even stickers, wipes and roll-on gels, natural mosquito repellents come in many interesting forms! Just check out the 10 Best Natural Insect Repellents for Tonga for ideas!

Natural ingredients like lemon, eucalyptus, geranium oil, vanilla bean extract, cedar oil, rosemary oil, lemongrass oil and more are all effective natural ingredients to deter mosquitoes.

What’s more, they are free from DEET which is otherwise toxic to the skin especially when mixed with sunscreens, moisturisers and other skin products.

10 Ways to Avoid Mosquito Bites in Tonga

2. Wear Long-Sleeved Clothing

The science is pretty easy on this one: wear a long-sleeve layer and without exposed skin, you won’t be bitten. This is not really a high-tech solution but it works wonders.

In fact, some clothing brands are starting to design clothing with insect-repellent technology integrated into the fabric. For example, ExOfficio offers full spectrum insect protection from mosquitoes, ants, ticks and even flies!

3. Make Sure Your Accommodation Has Mosquito Nets and/or Fly Screens

Most guesthouses and resorts offer mosquito nets and/or insect screens on the windows in Tonga, but there are a few of the budget options which don’t.

Make sure you check whether your accommodation has these options before booking. If you’re staying somewhere where you suspect there are no mosquito nets available, bring your own travel mosquito net.

Check out more things to pack in our Tonga Packing List.

4. Stay in Urban Areas

While not exactly an ideal solution when wanting to explore the islands of Tonga, urban areas tend to experience a lot fewer mosquitoes than areas with vegetation.

This only really applies to the town centres of Nuku’alofa on Tongatapu and Neiafu in Vava’u.

5. Avoid Going Out Just After the Rain

Rainfall is when mosquitoes are at their most active. To help decrease your chances of being bitten, consider doing something indoors when it’s raining and/or just after the rain.

Alternatively, get out on the ocean with some kayaking or snorkelling where mosquitoes are far less present around moving water.

Check out other rainy day activities in our 15 Things to Do in Tonga on a Rainy Day.

6. Avoid the Wet Season

For the reasons stated above, mosquitoes are a lot more active in the wet season. The wet season in Tonga is between November and April/May (see What is the Weather Like in Tonga?) and is when you will find the most mosquito activity.

While we usually recommend visiting Tonga in its quietest season, if you really want to avoid mosquitoes, the wet season is best avoided.

7. Stay on Tongatapu

With the idea of staying away from the rain, another way you can reduce your rainy days is by staying in Tonga’s driest climate. Tongatapu is the island group with the driest climate, receiving approximately 1,600 mm (63 in) of rain a year compared to Vava’u which receives around 2,100 m (83 in) a year!

However, there are months of the year when Tongatapu does tend to experience more rainfall than Vava’u, so check out our Weather & Climate articles to see how much precipitation is typically experienced each month.

8. Don’t Stay by Stagnant Ponds or Puddles

Yes, keeping on with the water theme, mosquitoes are particularly active around still pools of water. Swimming pools and by the sea are usually Ok where water is moving, but stagnant ponds and puddles are typically where mosquitoes live. So keep your long conversations or day bed away from pools of water.

9. Take Vitamin B

Seafood, eggs, bananas and potatoes are all rich in Vitamin B which, with enough in your bloodstream, does not attract mosquitoes… Or at least that is what the local tales tell. But since the tip is passed from generation to generation, why not jump on the bandwagon?

If you feel like a boost, start taking Vitamin B supplements a month before your trip. Of course, ask your doctor in case of doubt.

For more pills to pop, check out the What Medication to Pack in Your First Aid Kit for Tongaa.

10. Stay Inside at Dusk and Dawn

While mosquitoes can bite at any time of the day, the prime feeding time and frenzy of activity are during dusk and dawn. During these times, it’s best to stay indoors if you want to avoid mosquito bites.

Maybe opt to have your breakfast and evening meals inside.

How to Treat Mosquito Bites

If you still manage to get bitten by mosquitos, then a few remedies to fight the itch include:

Take Antihistamine – The main purpose of taking antihistamines before or after being bitten by a mosquito is to remedy allergic reactions. They also help prevent or soothe itching. What’s more, antihistamine is even known to help prevent getting bitten in the first place! However, if you have any doubts about taking antihistamine tablets, it’s always best to consult with your doctor first.
Apply Antiseptic Cream – When thinking about what to pack in your first aid kit for Tonga, we suggest packing a good antiseptic cream. It is particularly helpful to disinfect and soothe mosquito bites. Keeping on top of your bites is the best way to cope with mosquitoes if you start getting bitten.
Use a Mosquito Bite-Soothing Gadget – Commonly known as a “Zapit” device, these mosquito-soothing devices are nifty little gadgets to help reduce the urge to scratch your itchy mosquito bites. Just hold the device over your skin and press the button to release a quick burst of electricity on the affected area. Some devices also allow you to adjust the strength of the zap to make it suitable for kids. Check out popular Zapit devices like Bite Helper.
Apply Ice – Histamines, which cause the itchiness associated with mosquito bites, dilate blood vessels filling the area bitten with excess blood. The cold, however, can help constrict blood vessels and make the area feel a lot less itchy. So put some ice or an ice pack on your mosquito bite.

Finally, Get Your Vaccinations Done

While mosquito-spread diseases are not common in Tonga and chikungunya and dengue fever can’t be prevented with vaccines, we feel that this is still a good place to remind you of vaccines that are recommended for Tonga, including vaccines for measles, Hepatitis A and typhoid.

Learn more on the subject in our guide, Do You Need Vaccines to Travel to Tonga?

More About Staying Healthy in Tonga

That’s it for our ways to avoid mosquito bites in Tonga. Nevertheless, we still have plenty of tips to keep yourself healthy while exploring Tonga. Check out these tips:

Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in Tonga Safety Tips: Is it Safe to Travel to Tonga?

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across Tonga and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Tonga Tourism Authority (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
Tonga Ministry of Tourism (FAQs about visiting Tonga - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Revenue & Customs (Customs and immigration contacts - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Agriculture & Food, Forests and Fisheries (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Infrastructure (Land and aviation transport info - Updated [2025])
Tonga Meteorological Service (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
Tonga Statistics Department (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for Tonga - Updated [2025])
Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for Tonga - Updated [2025])
Travel.State.Gov (U.S. travel advisory for Tonga - Updated [2025])

Our editorial standards: At Tonga Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Robin (Lopini) C.

This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of Tonga Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before settling in the South Pacific, so he knows a thing or two about planning the perfect trip in this corner of the world. Robin works and consults regularly with the Ministry of Tourism of Tonga. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides and is a regular host of webinars with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.

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