That is the view of Amazon Prime pundit Daniela Hantuchova.
Nadal begins his campaign at the first Masters 1000 event of the year on Sunday against either Tatsuma Ito or Jared Donaldson.
But the usual sweltering conditions in California have been replaced by cooler temperatures this week.
On Friday, temperatures may only reach as high as 18C with heavy wind.
The conditions are expected to get warmer as the tournament progresses which could favour Nadal in the latter stages.
The perception around Nadal is that when the weather is hot, it boosts his game, especially his left-handed forehand.
And when it was suggested Nadal won’t be happy with the current cooler conditions, Hantuchova replied: “No, he won’t be.
“And it is a tournament where the conditions matter the most.
“It is such a difference playing a day match and a night match.
“And I’m sure Rafa will be hoping to be playing in the middle of the day when he can get the kick off the court and work the spin around the court.
“If it gets cooler, especially in the night, he might be in trouble because you really have to be confident to hit the ball here otherwise you are doing all the running.”
Nadal has won in Indian Wells on three occasions, the last coming in 2013.
And the Spaniard says he is delighted to be back at the event which is often labelled the “fifth Grand Slam”.
“This tournament is important enough to stand on its own name,” said Nadal.
“I love not being in a big city and the calm we have out here in the desert.
“I love the views and the organisation here is one of the best.”